JAMA Neurol

GLP-1 RAs may reduce mortality, symptom burden in intracranial hypertension

August 20, 2025

GLP-1 RAs may represent an effective alternative for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) management, reducing symptom burden, medication reliance, and procedural interventions.

Study details: A retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health records from 67 U.S. healthcare organizations, including 44,373 adults with IIH. After propensity score matching, 555 patients initiating GLP-1 RA therapy within 6 months of diagnosis were compared with 555 matched controls receiving conventional therapy (acetazolamide, topiramate, dietary counseling). Outcomes were assessed over a 1-year follow-up.

Results: GLP-1 RA therapy was associated with significantly lower use medications (risk ratio [RR], 0.53), reduced headache prevalence (RR, 0.45), fewer visual disturbances/blindness (RR, 0.60), and markedly less papilledema (RR, 0.19). Procedural interventions (RR, 0.44) and mortality (RR 0.36) were also reduced. No significant difference in BMI was observed at follow-up, and sensitivity analyses confirmed benefits across BMI strata. Bariatric surgery led to greater weight loss, but GLP-1 RA therapy yielded superior clinical outcomes.

Source:

Sioutas GS, et al. (2025, July 14). JAMA Neurol. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40658395/