A neurological disorder in which the pressure within the skull is elevated. This increase can be associated with a space-occupying mass creating a “mass effect,” it can be caused by a Chiari Malformation blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and therefore increasing intracranial pressure. When no cause is seen on MRI, it is usually diagnosed as idiopathic, although they rarely order further testing to explore signs of venous hypertension (which can cause intracranial hypertension).

Examples of space-occupying masses include cranial cysts/tumors, hydrocephalus, or any factor causing edema (such as trauma, infection, disease, or an adverse reaction to certain medications).

One clear and somewhat indisputable fact remains: Intracranial Hypertension (IH) can cause a pushing effect on the cerebellar tonsils, causing an Acquired Chiari Malformation, AND the blockage of fluid associated with a Chiari Malformation increases Intracranial Hypertension, so it is an evolving circle until a successful treatment stops the pressure.