Pseudotumor cerebri

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Central nervous system

Pseudotumor cerebri

Alternative Names:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension
Treatment:

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Treatment must be directed at the condition causing the pseudotumor. An initial lumbar puncture is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Repeated lumbar punctures may be done to decrease the intracranial pressure and to help prevent progressive papilledema and visual loss. Other treatments may include:

Fluid or salt restriction.
Medications such as corticosteroids, glycerol, acetazolamide, and furosemide.
Shunting procedures to relieve pressure due to spinal fluid retention.
Incision of the optic nerve sheath for relief of the papilledema, and to prevent further deterioration of vision.
Weight loss.
Close monitoring of vision, since there is potential for progressive and sometimes permanent visual loss.
Follow-up MRI or CT scan to exclude hidden malignancy (cancer).

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies, and sometimes the condition disappears on its own within 6 months. About 10-20% of the people diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri experience recurrences, and there is a small percentage who become progressively worse and may eventually become blind.

Complications:

Complications may occur in connection with some of the procedures used for treatment or from side effects of the various medications. Vision loss is the main serious complication of this condition.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child experience the symptoms listed above.