aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Those in whom a direct causal link between venous outflow obstruction and CSF absorption is demonstrable:

  • sagittal sinus thrombosis
  • lateral sinus thrombosis usually secondary to mastoiditis
  • intrathoracic mass lesion
  • congestive cardiac failure
  • following neck surgery

Idiopathic:

  • minor head trauma

  • endocrine disturbance:
    • Addison's disease
    • pregnancy
    • menarche & menstrual irregularities
    • Cushing's syndrome
    • hypothyroidism
    • hypoparathyroidism

  • haematological:
    • polycythaemia vera
    • iron deficency anaemia
    • infectious mononucleosis

  • drugs:
    • antibiotics such as tetracyclines, nalixidic acid or nitofurantoin
    • oral contraceptives
    • steroid withdrawal

  • dietary:
    • obesity
    • excess or deficiency of vitamin A

  • miscellaneous:
    • Sydenham's chorea
    • roseola infantum