Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the intracranial pressure (the pressure inside the skull) increases. This can happen for no apparent reason.
The symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri mimic the brain tumor symptoms. However, there is not a tumor (that is why it is called “pseudo” tumor cerebri). It can occur in both adults and children.

Pseudotumor cerebri is referred to as “idiopathic intracranial hypertension”.
This condition can lead to swelling of the optic nerve, which may lead to vision loss. In most cases, medication can be used to reduce the pressure. Some cases of pseudotumor cerebri require surgery.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Causes

The causes are still unknown; however, doctors believe that pseudotumor cerebri can be caused by too much cerebrospinal fluid in the skull. The spinal cord and brain are surrounded by this fluid (it is produced by the brain and its purpose is to protect the tissues). If the fluid isn’t properly absorbed, this can increase the intracranial pressure.

Brain tumors can also increase the pressure in the skull, because there is not enough room in the skull (for the tumor). Intracranial pressure can also increase if the brain swells.

Pseudotumor cerebri is also seen in people who have stenosis in large insures (transverse sinuses); however, it is still unclear whether stenosis (narrowing) can cause pseudotumor cerebri.

Ringing in the ears and pulsing
Photopia (you see light flashes)
Vomiting
Nausea
Double vision
Dizziness
Back pain
Neck pain
Blurred vision
Headaches (you may have moderate or severe pain around the eyes. This pain can worsen as you move your eyes).
Visual obscurations that last several seconds.

The following problems are associated with pseudotumor cerebri:

Heat injury
Mononucleosis
Kidney disease
Underactive parathyroid glands
Addison’s disease
Lupus
Lyme disease
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Obesity

The use of certain substances can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri:

Tetracycline
Growth hormone
Extremely large doses of vitamin A
Oral contraceptives

Nearly 10% of people who have pseudotumor cerebri also have problems with their vision, and can become blind eventually.

This condition is treated with medications (in most cases). Obese individuals, who have pseudotumor cerebri, are strongly advised to lose weight. In patients who have problems with vision, surgery can be done to reduce the pressure.

Glaucoma medications can be part of the treatment. These medications reduce cerebrospinal fluid production.
Migraine medications can help you relieve the headache caused by pseudotumor cerebri.
Diuretics can be used to reduce retention and prevent swelling.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Surgery

Spinal fluid shunt: a thin tube is inserted into the brain to drain away cerebrospinal fluid; the tubing goes into the abdomen, and that is where the shunt discharges the cerebrospinal fluid.
Optic nerve sheath fenestration is another method, but it is not always successful. Sometimes, it can make vision problems worse.