Intracranial Hypertension in a Person Infected with Influenza A: An Accidental Diagnosis

ABSTRACT Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (ICH) is a neurological syndrome determined by a rise in intracranial pressure without a specific cause. The exact pathophysiology of this disease is unknown. Intake of retinoids, steroid hormones, high body mass index, release of cytokines, and adipokine levels could be possible causal or associated factors. The association of influenza with ICH has been observed rarely in adults. The clinical symptoms can be headache, disturbance of vision, diplopia, and tinnitus, which can be very well missed during an acute flu attack as the symptoms overlap. Even though papilledema is considered the most specific sign, it is rarely found. Neuroradiological signs on magnetic resonance imaging may suggest the diagnosis of idiopathic ICH. Ophthalmological evaluation is mandatory to find out complications and sequelae in the form of visual loss. Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure measurement are helpful in establishing a diagnosis as well as relieving pressures as part of the management. Influenza is a preventable disease with the administration of a yearly vaccine against specific strains of the virus for the year and region, as released by the Center for Disease Control.