A Case Report of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Left-Sided Facial Spasm

TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of idiopathic intracranial hypertension presenting with a left-sided facial spasm in a 56-year-old woman.

Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting facial spasm as an atypical symptom of IIH, expanding diagnostic awareness.

Findings

Facial spasm can be an atypical manifestation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Acetazolamide treatment was effective in managing the patient's IIH symptoms.

Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for diagnosing and managing IIH.

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) typically presents with increased intracranial pressure of an unknown origin. Facial spasms are an uncommon manifestation of IIH. We report a 56-year-old female patient displaying atypical IIH symptoms of left-sided facial spasm. Clinical examination and imaging confirmed the diagnosis of IIH, and the patient received treatment with acetazolamide. This case highlights the importance of considering IIH as a potential diagnosis in patients with facial spasms, especially when accompanied by other neurological symptoms. Early recognition, a high level of suspicion, and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing outcomes in IIH cases. Furthermore, collaboration among neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and ophthalmologists is essential for the comprehensive evaluation and management of IIH patients.

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