This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.  Read our Cookies Policy.
Close
Eye News
  • Features
    • Close
    • Features
    • Allied Professions
    • Humanitarian
    • Interviews
    • AI & Oculomics
    • Ophthalmology
    • Optometry
    • Podcast videos
    • Supplements
  • Education
    • Close
    • Education
    • Learning Curve
    • Quiz
    • Top Tips
    • Trainees
    • Medico-Legal
    • The Truth Behind The Headlines
    • Case Reports
    • Pete's Bogus Journey
  • Reviews
    • Close
    • Reviews
    • Book Reviews
    • Journal Reviews
    • What's trending?
    • Tech Reviews
    • My Top Five
    • The Culture Section
  • Events
  • News
  • Product Guide
  • Industry News
  • Contact us
    • Close
    • Contact us
    • Write for Eye News
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Journal Reviews
  • Is intracranial pressure affected by the valsalva manoeuvres and exercise?

Is intracranial pressure affected by the valsalva manoeuvres and exercise?
Reviewed by Claire Howard

31 May 2024 | Claire Howard | EYE - Neuro-ophthalmology
Share This

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterised by elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), which leads to optic nerve head swelling and a risk of visual loss. The impact of straining and exercise on ICP regulation is poorly understood yet clinically relevant to IIH patient care. Valsalva manoeuvres (VMs) are a function of multiple activities of daily living but, importantly, are also a key aspect to the second stage of labour. The authors of this paper aimed to investigate the impact of VMs and exercise on ICP and cerebrovascular haemodynamics in IIH. People with IIH were prospectively enrolled and had an intraparenchymal telemetric ICP sensor inserted. Three participants (age [mean ± standard deviation]: 40.3 ±13.9 years) underwent continuous real-time ICP monitoring coupled with cerebrovascular haemodynamic assessments during VMs and moderate exercise. Participants had IIH with supine ICP measuring 15.3 ±8.7mmHg (20.8 ±11.8cm cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) and sitting ICP measuring −4.2 ±7.9mmHg (−5.7 ±10.7cmCSF). The pattern of ICP changes during the VM phases was associated to that of changes in blood pressure, the middle cerebral artery blood velocity and prefrontal cortex haemodynamics. Exercise led to minimal effects on ICP. The authors concluded from their small sample size that VM-induced changes in ICP were coupled to cerebrovascular haemodynamics and showed no sustained impact on ICP. Exercise did not lead to prolonged elevation of ICP. Those with IIH experiencing VMs (for example, during exercise and labour) may be reassured at the brief nature of the changes. Future research is required in a larger IIH cohort if these findings are to have any statistical and clinical significance.

The impact of valsalva manoeuvres and exercise on intracranial pressure and cerebrovascular dynamics in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Yiangou A, Weaver SR, Thaller M, et al.
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY
2024;48(2):122–33.
Share This
CONTRIBUTOR
Claire Howard

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.

View Full Profile
Specialty
  • EYE - Cataract
  • EYE - Cornea
  • EYE - General
  • EYE - Glaucoma
  • EYE - Neuro-ophthalmology
  • EYE - Oculoplastic
  • EYE - Oncology
  • EYE - Orbit
  • EYE - Paediatrics
  • EYE - Pathology
  • EYE - Refractive
  • EYE - Strabismus
  • EYE - Vitreo-Retinal
Archive
  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013

Top Of Page

9 Gayfield Square, 
Edinburgh EH1 3NT, UK.

Call: +44 (0)131 557 4184
www.pinpoint-scotland.com

WEBSITE DETAILS
  • Cookie Policy
  • Data Protection Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
ABOUT US
  • Who we are
  • Register
  • Contact us
  • Contributors
  • Company Awards
DIGITAL ISSUES/GUIDELINES
  • Digital issues - Library
  • Supplements - Library
  • Guidelines
Accreditations
IPSO_FLAG_TEAL 2025.png cpdcertified.png

Pinpoint Scotland Ltd (Registered in Scotland No. SC068684) | © 2025 - Website by Gecko Agency