Facial palsy and fallopian canal expansion associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
Describe neurotologic findings associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Case of IIH (>250 mm water) presenting with unilateral facial palsy and enlargement of the fallopian canal on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
Oral acetazolamide, corticosteroids, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage.


METHODS
Intracranial pressure measurement, cranial nerve examination, audiometry, and symptom assessment.


RESULTS
Audiometry revealed asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. Enlargement of the fallopian canal with cerebrospinal fluid was evident on imaging studies. Partial resolution of IIH symptoms was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
IIH is an enigmatic disease entity. Increased intracranial pressure usually presents with headache and pulsatile tinnitus and is occasionally associated with cranial neuropathies. Abducens palsy is most common, producing diplopia. Cranial nerve involvement is often asymmetric, producing false localizing signs. Facial paralysis is an uncommon sequela of IIH. Treatment of IIH consists of reducing intracranial pressure. Corticosteroids are recommended for treatment of facial paralysis.
House Clinic and House Ear Institute, Los Angeles 90057, and University of California, San Diego, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, La Jolla, California, USA. dbrackmann@hei.org
Derald E
DE
Brackmann
Joni K
JK
Doherty
D000086:Acetazolamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005830:Geniculate Ganglion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D019586:Intracranial Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010211:Papilledema / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000086:Acetazolamide