Obesity, 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.
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.
Repeat visual field testing is essential in following patients with PTC. If your visual field is worsening or you experience a decrease in central vision, and you do not have severe headaches, a small hole or multiple slits may be placed in the optic nerve sheath (called optic nerve sheath fenestration) just behind the eye using an operating microscope. This is done to protect the optic nerve from further damage. If severe headaches accompany visual loss, a shunting procedure (lumbo-peritoneal or ventriculo-peritoneal) may be required, in which a small tube is placed to carry fluid from where it is building up to where it can be absorbed, thus relieving pressure.
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