The electroencephalogram in cases of benign intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Electroencephalographic recordings were made in 16 patients with benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri). In the majority of patients, the recordings were within normal limits. The recordings of only 2 patients showed unequivocal abnormality, which consisted of bursts of theta rhythm. The frequency of normal recordings in these patients contrasts strikingly with the high incidence of abnormal recordings in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that benign intracranial hypertension results from generalized intracranial rather than intraventricular hypertension.