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Ency. home > Disease > P > Pseudotumor cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Alternative names:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension

Treatment

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 and/or salt restriction.
  • Medications: Corticosteroids, glycerol, acetazolamide, and furosemide.
  • Shunting procedures from the lumbar subarachnoid space to the peritoneal cavity.
  • Incision of the optic nerve sheath for relief of the papilledema, and to prevent further deterioration of vision.
  • Weight loss is usually recommended.
  • Close follow-up and monitoring of vision, since there is potential for progressive and sometimes permanent visual loss.
  • Follow-up MRI or CT scan is sometimes necessary to exclude hidden (occult) malignancy (cancer).

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.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if you notice signs of increased pressure within your skull (increased intracranial pressure) or your child's skull, or if you or your child experience the symptoms listed above.

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pseudotumor cerebri

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