Pseudotumor cerebri is a process affecting the brain that appears to be -- but is not -- a tumor. It is often reversible.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension
The condition occurs more often in women than men, especially in obese women who are about to go through menopause. It is rare in infants, but can occur in children.
The cause is unknown.
Certain medicines can increase your risk for this condition. These medicines include:
The following factors are also related to this condition:
Symptoms may get worse during physical activity, especially when you tighten the stomach muscles.
The doctor will perform a physical exam. Signs of this condition include:
Even though there is increased pressure in the skull, there is no change in alertness.
Tests that may be done include:
The diagnosis is made when other health conditions are ruled out. Several conditions may cause increased pressure in the skull, including:
Treatment is aimed at the cause of the pseudotumor.
A lumbar puncture can help relieve pressure in the brain and prevent vision problems.
Other treatments may include:
Patients will need to have their vision closely monitored. There can be vision loss, which is sometimes permanent. Follow-up MRI or CT scans may be done to rule out hidden cancer.
Sometimes the condition disappears on its own within 6 months. About 10-20% of persons have their symptoms return. A small number of patients have symptoms that slowly get worse and lead to blindness.
Vision loss is a serious complication of this condition.
Call your health care provider if you or your child experiences the symptoms listed above.
DeAngelis LM. Tumors of the central nervous system and intracranial hypertension and hypotension. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 199.
Haslam RHA. Pseudotumor cerebri. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 604.
Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 63.
Dhungana S, Sharrack B, Woodroofe N. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension.Acta Neurol Scand. 2010;121(2):71-82. Epub 2009 Nov 23.