Clinical features

Features include:

• headache tends to be the first symptom - it is worst first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and relieved on standing - consistent with raised intracranial pressure
• gradual visual field defects - due to effects of raised intracranial pressure on cranial nerves
• gross bilateral papilloedema without significant focal intracranial signs
• vomiting, drowsiness

Less commonly:

• diplopia due to VI nerve palsy

In women it may coincide with recent weight gain, fluid retention, the first trimester of pregnancy and the postpartum period.