Increased intracranial pressure is the main symptom of pseudotumor cerebri. Other symptoms include vision problems (which may include blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or short-term loss of vision or "gray outs"), dizziness, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and ringing in the ears. Nausea and vomiting can also be signs of pseudotumor cerebri. The symptoms occur in the absence of obvious causes like infection, tumor, or blood clots.
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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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredVision 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. -
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 3 AnswersDiagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri is generally based on symptoms and an examination. An examination of the visual field is done, and an examination of the optic nerve with an ophthalmoscope may reveal swelling or bleeding. To measure the intracranial pressure, a lumbar puncture is performed. An MRI or CT scan is performed in order to view the brain and eliminate other causes.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 scan is performed in order to view the brain and eliminate other causes.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
Risk for pseudotumor cerebri may be increased by the use of some medications like lithium, steroids, birth control, or tetracycline among others. Some conditions like Cushing's disease, obesity, pregnancy and hypothyroidism may also play a role in causing pseudotumor cerebri. Women are at higher risk for this condition than men.
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Riverside Center for Neurosciences answeredSee All 5 AnswersObesity, other treatable diseases, and some medications can cause raised intracranial pressure and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri. A thorough medical history and physical examination is needed to evaluate these factors. If a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri is confirmed, close, repeated ophthalmologic exams are required to monitor any changes in vision. Drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup and relieve pressure. Weight loss and cessation of certain drugs (including oral contraceptives, tetracycline, and a variety of steroids) may lead to improvement. Surgery may be needed to remove pressure on the optic nerve. Therapeutic shunting, which involves surgically inserting a tube to drain CSF from the lower spine into the abdominal cavity, may be needed to remove excess CSF and relieve CSF pressure.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 4 Answers
Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in which the pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure) increases and causes symptoms similar to that of a brain tumor. However, no tumor is present. The cause of the pressure is usually not apparent, and it may not be discovered at all. If it is not discovered, then pseudotumor cerebri is also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
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Dr. Steven A. Meyers, MD , Diagnostic Radiology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystemThe 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.
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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.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
The exact cause of pseudotumor cerebri is often unknown. It is suspected that the condition is a result of an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull which results in increased intracranial pressure. Some medications such as birth control pills, lithium, and tetracycline can be risk factors. Cushing's disease, pregnancy, and obesity are also linked with pseudotumor cerebri.
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Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center 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.