The most common symptom of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also called pseudotumor cerebri, is headache. A variety of vision changes can also been seen including double vision, blurred or tunnel vision, and transient loss of vision. Noise in the ears or head typically described as pulsating can also be seen.
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.
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Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem -
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The diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is suspected when a patient presents with headache, ringing in the ears, blurry or reduced vision, double vision and diminished vision when sitting up from a supine position. Risk factors which predispose someone to developing IIH such as obesity, use of birth control pills, vitamin A products or certain antibiotics, are also important when considering the diagnosis. If there is clinically a suspicion for IIH, the neurologist will perform an indepth examination looking for swelling of the optic nerve (within the eye) and an MRI brain to exclude other cause for increased pressure in the brain. If the MRI brain is negative, a spinal tap is performed looking for increased pressure which confirms the diagnosis.