Pseudotumor Cerebri

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• QWhat are the symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri?

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  A American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered

  The most common symptoms of high CSF pressure inside the head are headache and visual loss. The headache may be located anywhere but is frequently in the back of the neck. This pain may awaken the patient in the middle of the night and may worsen with bending or stooping.

  Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include:

  • Dimming, blurring or graying of vision;
  • Difficulty seeing to the side;
  • Brief visual disturbances (often associated with bending or stooping);
  • Double vision;
  • Rushing noise in the ears;
  • Nausea and vomiting.

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• QIs my vision loss from pseudotumor cerebri permanent?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Vision loss from pseudotumor cerebri may be permanent. Treatment can improve some of the impairment or prevent it from becoming worse. Early and aggressive treatment may be able to save vision or prevent complete vision loss.
• QHow is pseudotumor cerebri diagnosed?

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  A Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  Pseudotumor cerebri is usually diagnosed based on a history of headache associated with signf of increased intracranial pressure. The most common finding on examination is swelling of the nerve behind the eye which can be seen when your doctor carefully examines the eyes. Since other conditions can cause similar finginds, imaging of the brain is usually necessary. The pressure inside the head can be easily measured by performing a spinal tap. This involves inserting a needle in the lower back using local anesthesia.

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• QWhat increases my risk for pseudotumor cerebri?

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  A Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  Pseudotumor cerebri is most common in overweight middle-aged women. Most cases are idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown. Several medications have been associated with the development of pseudotumor cerebri. Chronic steroid use, excessive vitamin A intake (particularly isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative used to treat acne), and certain antibiotics such as tetracycline have all been associated with the development of pseudotumor cerebri.

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• QWhat is the treatment for pseudotumor cerebri?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Treatment options for pseudotumor cerebri include medications that treat migraines and glaucoma and can help treat symptoms. Diuretics may help relieve pressure. Surgery in order to physically relieve intracranial pressure is also an option. This can include a spinal fluid shunt or an optic nerve sheath fenestration. Weight loss and restrictions on salt and fluid also provide treatment for pseudotumor cerebri.

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• QWhat is pseudotumor cerebri?

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  A Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition thought to be due to increased pressure inside the head due to either an overproduction or poor absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The cause of this condition is unknown. It mainly affects middle aged woman though men can be affected. The symptoms typically include a generalized headache sometimes associated with brief episodes of loss of vision, ringing or pulsating noises in the head, or nausea.

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• QWhat are the symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)?

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  A Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  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.

• QHow is idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) diagnosed?

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  A Dr. Darshan N. Shah, MD , Neurology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  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. 

• QWhat causes pseudotumor cerebri?

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  A American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart answered

  The reason for decreased outflow of CSF is not clear. Because this condition seems to occur more often in overweight young women, a hormonal influence is suspected.

  Overweight young women are 20 times more likely to develop pseudotumor. PTC may also occur in children, men, and patients who are not overweight. In some cases, antibiotic or steroid use may be associated with pseudotumor. High doses of vitamin A may also lead to increased CSF pressure.

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• QHow does pseudotumor cerebri affect the body?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  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 and cause swelling. The swelling could lead to vision impairment and eventually blindness. Some other ways in which the pressure might affect the body include headaches, vision problems, feeling dizzy or nauseous, and ringing in the ears.