It can affect you in many ways, Blurring, loss of vision, or a blind spot in the field of vision, and headache are common symptoms of IIH. You may also hear pulsating (heartbeat-like), whooshing, or roaring in the ears. Other symptoms may include joint pain, neck stiffness, and numbing of the skin. IIH can only be diagnosed once other possible causes of intracranial hypertension have been ruled out. Blood tests, imaging tests of the brain, eye tests, and lumbar puncture may help diagnose IIH. Treatment may include watchful waiting, weight loss, medicines, lumbar punctures, and surgery. With treatment, more serious problems of IIH may be prevented, and you may be able to go back to your usual activities. Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods. You may need to limit fats and salt in your diet. Your caregivers may also want you to limit foods rich in vitamin A and tyramine. Vitamin A and tyramine are believed to have some effect on IIH. Vitamin A rich foods include beef liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Food and drinks that contain high amounts of tyramine include aged cheese, pepperoni, salami, liverwurst, pickled foods, beer, and wine. Ask your caregiver if you should follow a special diet. Eye checks: You should have regular eye exams to check your vision and other eye problems. Depending on your caregiver, eye checks may be done every 10 to 14 days. Ask your caregiver for more information about eye checks. For more information: Having idiopathic intracranial hypertension may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have IIH may be hard. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group. Contact the following for more information: * American Academy of Family Physicians PO Box 11210 Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210 Phone: 1-913-906-6000 Web Address: http://www.aafp.org * Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation 6517 Buena Vista Drive Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 1-360-693-IHRF (4473) Web Address: www.ihrfoundation.org