Pseudotumor Cerebri
Pseudo tumor cerebri (SOO-doh-too-mur SER-uh-bry) is a term that describes an increase of pressure inside your skull that happens for no obvious reason. Symptoms are similar to those of a brain tumor but there is no tumor. Symptoms may include a headache behind your eyes, ringing in your ears, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision or double vision.
The cause of pseudo tumor cerebri is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid within your skull. Some people can become blind as a result of the increased pressure in their skulls.
If you have symptoms, you should see your doctor to rule out a brain tumor and to treat your symptoms.
Recently Answered
- Q Is my vision loss from pseudotumor cerebri permanent?
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Vision loss from pseudotumor cerebri may be permanent in some cases. Treatment can improve some of the impairment. Surgery, however, has a chance of increasing vision impairment. Full Answer
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- Q How is pseudotumor cerebri related to pregnancy?
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Pregnancy is one of the high-risk factors for pseudotumor. However, the condition is actually most common in women who are premenopausal. Birth control pills may also be related to the condition. Full Answer
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- Q Who is mostly likely to get pseudotumor cerebri?
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Premenopausal women are most likely to get pseudotumor cerebri. It is particularly prevalent in obese women in that age group. Also, there are many pre-existing medical conditions that are linked to pseudotumor cerebri. These include head injury, lupus,... Full Answer
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- Q How is a lumbar puncture used in treating pseudotumor cerebri?
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A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a needle is inserted the spine. It collects cerebrospinal fluid, which is used to measure the intracranial pressure in the diagnosis phase. Additionally, the procedure can be utilized to treat pseudotumor cerebri... Full Answer
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- Q How is pseudotumor cerebri diagnosed?
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Diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri may involve several steps. First, a physical exam is done. This may include checking the eyes for swelling and the head for increased. To measure the intracranial pressure, a lumbar puncture is performed. An MRI or CT... Full Answer
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- Q How does pseudotumor cerebri affect the body?
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Pseudotumor cerebri affects the body by increasing the intracranial pressure. The cause is not known, but experts think this might happen as a result of too much cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. Too much pressure may then be put on the optic nerve... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage pseudotumor cerebri on a daily basis?
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If you have pseudotumor cerebri, you may need to take medication or undergo surgery. Until it is cured, you are likely to experience headaches for which migraine medication can be prescribed. Also, you will need to make sure that your vision is being... Full Answer
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- Q Are prescription medications available for pseudotumor cerebri?
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Yes, prescription medications for pseudotumor cerebri include potent diuretics like furosemide. Migraine medication is also prescribed in dealing with the symptomatic headaches. Acetazolamide is often the first drug that is prescribed in dealing with... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat pseudotumor cerebri?
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Medications used to treat pseudotumor cerebri include corticosteroids and glaucoma drugs like acetazolamide. Acetazolamide decreases the amount of cerebrospinal fluid. A diuretic like furosemide is used to decrease the amount of fluid retained by the... Full Answer
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- Q Does pseudotumor cerebri need to be treated?
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Pseudotumor cerebri sometimes does go away by itself, but most likely needs to be treated. The condition needs to be monitored in all cases as it can possibly lead to permanent blindness. You would likely need to have a regularly scheduled vision... Full Answer
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