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It can be difficult to maintain a relationship once you are diagnosed with Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. One reason is because IIH is considered an invisible illness. It is often hard for partners, spouses, loved ones, and others to understand how to deal with an illness they do not understand, and cannot see. Often, one person in the relationship becomes the caregiver. This can put added strain on the relationship. Medical costs, frequent hospitalizations and surgery can place more stress on the already overly taxed relationship.
Sexual needs may take a back seat due to the pain, medications, and exhaustion IIH patients experience.
Education is a way to help maintain a relationship, as well as communication between both parties and support groups, and counseling. It is possible to have a relationship while having IIH, but it does take effort on both partners. It takes time to adjust to the diagnosis and coming to terms with what is considered to be the new normal. If both parties are committed to each other, a healthy relationship is possible.