A randomised controlled trial of bariatric surgery versus a community weight loss programme for the sustained treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Weight Trial (IIH:WT) protocol

Effective treatments are lacking for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition characterised by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and papilloedema, and found primarily in obese women. Weight loss and lowering body mass index (BMI) has been shown to lower ICP and improve symptoms in IIH; however, weight loss is typically not maintained meaning IIH symptoms return. The IIH:WT trial will assess whether bariatric surgery is an effective long term treatment for IIH patients with a BMI over 35 kg/m2. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends bariatric surgery in people with a BMI over 35 kg/m2 and a qualifying co-morbidity; currently IIH does not qualify as a co-morbidity.