Flow velocity and pulsatility of the ocular circulation in chronic intracranial hypertension

Abstract

In mild-moderate increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, a reduction of flow velocities may result because of increased vascular resistance. Paradoxically, in more severe chronic ICH, we hypothesize that local autoregulatory vascular changes and/or diversion of cerebral blood flow into the ophthalmic circulation may normalize these parameters. This phenomenon may partially underlie the relative sparing of visual function early in the course of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), regardless of actual ICP levels.