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Pseudotumor cerebri is a process affecting the brain that appears to be -- but is not -- a tumor. It is often reversible.
Alternative NamesIdiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe condition occurs more frequently in women than men, particularly in premenopausal obese women. It is rare in infants.
The cause is unknown. Certain medicines can increase your risk for this condition. These medicines include:
- Birth Control pills
- Tetracycline
- Nitrofurantoin
- Phenytoin
- Sulfa drugs
- Isotretinoin
- Minocycline
- Tamoxifen
- Nalidixic acid
- Lithium
- Steroids (starting or stopping them)
The following factors also associated with this condition:
- Anemia from iron deficiency
- Being overweight or obese
- Chronic kidney failure
- Cushing's disease
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Onset of menstruation (menarche)
- Pregnancy
- Vitamin A (too much or too little)
The major symptom is increased pressure within the skull (increased intracranial pressure). There is no evidence of tumor, infection, blocked drainage of the fluid surrounding the brain, or any other cause.
Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Double vision(diplopia)
- Partial or permanent loss of vision. Patients often complain of blurred vision.
Symptoms may get worse during physical activity, especially when tightening the stomach muscles.
Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam. Signs of this condition include:
- Swelling of a small area in the back of the eye (papilledema)
- Increased head size
- Bulging anterior fontanelle in babies whose cranial sutures are not yet closed
Despite the increased pressure in the skull, there is no change in alertness.
Tests that may be done include:
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Eye exam, including formal visual field testing
The diagnosis is made when other health conditions are ruled out. Several conditions may cause increased intracranial pressure, including venous sinus thrombosis, hydrocephalus, and an intracranial mass (such as a tumor).
TreatmentTreatment must be directed at the specific cause of the pseudotumor.
A lumbar puncture can help relieve pressure within the brain and prevent vision problems.
Other treatments may include:
- Fluid or salt restrictions
- Medications such as corticosteroids, glycerol, acetazolamide, and furosemide
- Shunting procedures to relieve pressure due to spinal fluid retention
- Surgery to relieve pressure on the optic nerve
- Weight loss
The patient will need their vision closely monitored, since there is potential for progressive and sometimes permanent visual loss. Follow-up MRI or CT scans may be done to rule out hidden cancer.
Expectations (prognosis)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.
ComplicationsVision loss is a serious complication of this condition.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you or your child experience the symptoms listed above.
ReferencesJonnalagadda J. Lithium, minocycline, and pseudotumor cerebri. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. March 1, 2005; 44(3): 209.
Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004; 2048-2049.
What else can I help you with?
How does one cure pseudotumor cerebri?
Treatment for pseudotumor cerebri aims to reduce intracranial pressure. This may involve weight loss, medications to reduce fluid production or increase fluid drainage, or in severe cases, surgical interventions. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
what does pseudotumor cerebri come from and what can be done about having the bad headaches my head hurts all day every day and I am on dialysis and I can't take the medicine because of my decreased kidney function so do I have to keep getting the lumbar puncture.
When was the first case of pseudotumor cerebri diagnosed?
Pseudotumor cerebri was first documented in medical literature in the mid-19th century. The condition was initially described as a benign intracranial hypertension without a known cause.
Why does pseudotumor cerebri only effect you during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the body is more apt to retain fluid, for most women - this shows itself as swollen feet. Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition where the body itself is holding onto cerebral spinal fluid, which increases pressure on the brain. Keep in mind that one of the warning signs of preeclampsia is swelling which occurs in the hands and face, so if you have been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri, your doctor also needs to be looking out for preeclampsia.
When did Heather Philipsen die?
Heather Philipsen died on January 18, 2009, in New Port Richey, Florida, USA of pseudotumor cerebri.
If you get spinal tap headaches after spinal taps should you avoid this treatment for pseduotumor cerebri?
Only your doctor can answer that question, however there are other treatments for intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) you may want to talk to your doctor about that won't cause this type of spinal headache.
How do you pronounce pseudotumor cerebri?
You pronounce it like this: SOO-doh-too-mur SER-uh-bry
In a patient diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri how severe are the headaches and how often do they occur?
The headaches associated with pseudotumor cerebri, or intracranial hypertension, can be mild to severely painful, as the brain itself is having increased pressure on it, as well as the nerves in the back of the eyes. The headaches themselves are usually near daily, but can be controlled with diuretics, diet, and weight loss. Sometimes spinal taps are used to decrease the pressure by removing some of the cerebral spinal fluid, and in some cases surgery is needed.It is important to manage this condition, as the pressure on the back of the eyes can cause permanent blindness.
Which is the fold of the dura mater separating the two cerebral hemispheres?
The falx cerebri separates the right and left hemispheres.
Does the falx cerebri attach the cerebrum to the crista galli of the skull?
No, Falx cerebri attaches to the Crista Gali of the ethmoid in the front of the skull.
What attaches to the crista galli?
falx cerebrifalx cerebrifalx cerebelliFalx cerebrii
Falx cerebri what it has to do with the thruth?
The falx cerebri is a fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres in the brain. It does not have a direct connection to truth or truth-seeking. Its function is to provide structural support and help protect the brain.
