Abortion, Anemia, and an Account of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare but serious cause of headache. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needed to prevent permanent neurologic sequelae. Case Report: We present a case of a 32-year-old female with multiple emergency department visits for a headache after having a medical termination of pregnancy. She was found to have severe anemia, retained products of conception, and radiographic findings suggestive of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which was confirmed by an elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture. Her symptoms improved after transfusion of packed red blood cells, initiation of acetazolamide and corticosteroids, and manual uterine evacuation. She was ultimately discharged without any neurologic deficits. Conclusion: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare but serious cause of headache, and anemia is an underappreciated precipitating factor. The hormonal changes associated withpregnancy may further predispose patients to this rare medical condition, especially in the setting of vaginal bleeding.