American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Visual impairment is recognized as the most common complication associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri. This condition is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable mass or other identifiable cause. One of the primary concerns in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is the risk of vision loss, which can occur due to papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve head). Sustained elevated pressure can lead to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in visual disturbances, which can vary from transient visual obscurations to permanent vision loss if not treated appropriately.

The other options, while relevant to other conditions, are not the primary complications of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Exophthalmos relates to conditions such as Graves’ disease and is not a usual outcome of this disorder. A gait disorder is typically associated with broader neurological conditions rather than isolated intracranial pressure issues. Uncal herniation occurs when there is significant brain swelling, often due to a mass lesion, which is distinct from idiopathic intracranial hypertension, where such lesions are absent. Therefore, visual impairment is the most critical complication to monitor for in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.