An intrathecal catheter in a pregnant patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: analgesia, monitor and therapy?

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is important for the obstetric anaesthetist as it is mostly seen in obese women of childbearing age. The incidence is likely to increase as the obesity pandemic grows. Management of labour analgesia in these patients can be complex and requires multidisciplinary input. We successfully managed labour analgesia in a parturient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension with an intrathecal catheter. The possibility of using this catheter as a cerebrospinal fluid drain and pressure monitor was considered and is discussed along with potential complications.