Intracranial Hypertension and Iron-Deficiency Anemia

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Abstract
Several terms have been used in referring to those cases with increased intracranial pressure, usually without localizing neurological signs, with normal cerebrospinal fluid constituents and normal or small ventricular system, and for which there is no demonstrable cause. Serous meningitis, chronic arachnoiditis, toxic hydrocephalus, otitic hydrocephalus, pseudotumor cerebri, and benign intracranial hypertension have been suggested. Various hypotheses have been put forward to explain the etiology and pathogenesis of this condition, but none have proved to be satisfactory; they include water and electrolyte imbalance, toxins, allergies, hormonal alterations, etc. The following is a report of four cases of intracranial hypertension associated with iron deficiency anemia. Report of Cases Case1.—A 19-year-old waitress was admitted to the Neurological Service of University of Maryland Hospital on July 20, 1961, with the chief complaint of severe headaches and blurring of vision of three weeks' duration. The patient had one full-term pregnancy complicated by