# Abortion, Anemia, and an Account of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 32-year-old woman developed idiopathic intracranial hypertension after a medical abortion, which improved with treatment for anemia and other interventions.

## Contribution

Highlights anemia and hormonal changes from pregnancy as potential contributors to idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

## Key findings

- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension was confirmed by elevated lumbar puncture opening pressure.
- Symptoms improved after treating anemia, administering acetazolamide and corticosteroids, and evacuating retained products of conception.
- The case suggests anemia and post-abortion hormonal changes may precipitate idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

## Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare but serious cause of headache. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to prevent permanent neurologic sequelae.

We present a case of a 32-year-old female with multiple emergency department visits for a headache after having a medical termination of pregnancy. She was found to have severe anemia, retained products of conception, and radiographic findings suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which was confirmed by an elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture. Her symptoms improved after transfusion of packed red blood cells, initiation of acetazolamide and corticosteroids, and manual uterine evacuation. She was ultimately discharged without any neurologic deficits.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare but serious cause of headache, and anemia is an underappreciated precipitating factor. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may further predispose patients to this rare medical condition, especially in the setting of vaginal bleeding.