We examined a rare case involving a 13-year-old girl who experienced symptoms of headache and visual disturbances due to benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) related to vitamin A toxicity. This condition was characterized by elevated pressure inside her skull, which led to her experiencing severe headaches, photophobia, and vomiting.
After conducting various tests, including magnetic resonance imaging and a lumbar puncture, we confirmed the diagnosis of BIH. Treatment was initiated with acetazolamide, a medication commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure. Although the study primarily focuses on the condition resulting from vitamin A excess, the use of acetazolamide makes it challenging to isolate the effect of vitamin A on headache relief specifically.
What's particularly noteworthy in this case is the significant elevation of serum vitamin A levels, which aligned with her symptoms. Following treatment, this patient showed a remarkable clinical improvement, including a reduction in papilledema during regular eye check-ups. Within just two weeks after starting treatment, she was discharged symptom-free, highlighting how important it is to consider vitamin A levels in children presenting with similar symptoms.
This case serves as a reminder for clinicians regarding the potential consequences of vitamin A toxicity, especially when evaluating children with headaches correlated to papilledema.