[Idiopathic intracranial hypertension at the Niamey General Reference Hospital (Niger): a series of eight cases].

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) typically affects young, obese women. This condition is rarely described in sub-Saharan African countries. This study reports on the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of patients diagnosed with IIH in Niamey, Niger. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed observations of eight patients diagnosed with IIH in the neurology department of the Niamey General Reference Hospital between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2023. Results: All patients presented with headaches and subacute bilateral visual acuity loss. Their median age was 29.5 years. Their median body mass index (BMI) was 30.75 kg/m² (interquartile range [IQR]: 26-32). Fundus examinations revealed bilateral papilledema in all patients. The median cerebrospinal fluid pressure upon opening was 30 cm H₂O (interquartile range [IQR]: 28.35 to 35). Brain and vascular imaging were normal. All patients completely recovered their vision and experienced normalization of the fundus under acetazolamide treatment, after which treatment was discontinued. Six months after discontinuing acetazolamide, one patient relapsed, necessitating the reintroduction of long-term treatment. Conclusion: Intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare neurological disorder that usually affects young, obese women, but its incidence is increasing due to the obesity epidemic. This is the first series of Nigerien cases of IIH.