To determine the correlation of headache frequency and intensity with the risk of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) . 

Headache is the most common presenting symptom in IIH and can be the most disabling. Case reports have documented improvement of IIH following adequate treatment for OSA, however to date there is scarce research describing headache frequency or intensity in patients with both IIH and OSA. We aim to address the importance of screening for OSA in the IIH population as a potential significant contributing factor to IIH-related headaches complaints. 

A retrospective study with a total of 25 participants with IIH was performed. These were evaluated at Ophthalmology and/or Headache specialty clinics associated with the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. Participants were administered a questionnaire to assess frequency and intensity of headaches, number of prophylactic and abortive medications, as well as diagnosis of sleep apnea. Additionally, a STOP-BANG questionnaire was administered to assess risk for OSA in IIH patients with undiagnosed OSA. 

Available data was analyzed using chi-squared and t- test statistical analysis. This showed positive correlation between headache frequency and risk for OSA (cramer’s v=0.2) (p=0.08) suggesting a positive trend towards clinical significance. There was also a potential positive correlation between higher headache intensity and risk for OSA (p=0.10).