Pediatric Neurology 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) presents most commonly with headaches in children. These headaches are often described as pulsating or throbbing and can vary in intensity. The pain may be worse in the morning or with activities that increase intracranial pressure, such as bending over or sudden movements. This specific symptom is crucial because it helps differentiate IIH from other neurological conditions, guiding clinicians toward the appropriate investigation and management strategies.

While vision changes and seizures can occur in patients with IIH, they are typically not the first or most prominent symptoms. Vision changes usually arise due to complications of IIH, such as optic nerve edema or papilledema, which may develop as the condition progresses. Behavioral issues might be noted in some children due to the chronic nature of headaches or as a reaction to the pain, but the primary presenting symptom that prompts further evaluation and diagnosis is headaches. This understanding is key for clinicians when assessing a child who presents with neurological symptoms.