Pseudotumor cerebri

Overview

A condition marked by raised intracranial pressure and characterized clinically by HEADACHES; NAUSEA; PAPILLEDEMA, peripheral constriction of the visual fields, transient visual obscurations, and pulsatile TINNITUS. OBESITY is frequently associated with this condition, which primarily affects women between 20 and 44 years of age. Chronic PAPILLEDEMA may lead to optic nerve injury (see OPTIC NERVE DISEASES) and visual loss (see BLINDNESS). Source - Diseases Database

Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Pulsating intracranial noises
  • Swelling of optic disk
  • Progressive visual loss
  • Impaired memory
  • Dizziness
  • Asthenia
  • Increased spinal fluid pressure
  • Increased intracranial pressure

Causes

The exact cause of pseudotumor cerebri in most individuals is unknown, but it may be linked to an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the bony confines of your skull.

Your brain and spinal cord are surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts like a cushion to protect these vital tissues from injury. This fluid is produced in the brain and eventually is absorbed into the bloodstream. The increased intracranial pressure of pseudotumor cerebri may be a result of a problem in this absorption process.

In general, your intracranial pressure increases when the contents of your skull exceed its capacity. For example, a brain tumor generally increases your intracranial pressure because there's no room for the tumor. The same thing happens if your brain swells or if you have too much cerebrospinal fluid.

Several studies indicate that many people with pseudotumor cerebri have a narrowing (stenosis) in two large sinuses in the brain (transverse sinuses). Studies are determining whether this is an effect or a cause of the condition.

Prognosis

Prognosis for Pseudotumor Cerebri: Once the diagnosis is made and the disorder is treated, pseudotumor cerebri generally has no serious consequences. If visual loss occurs, however, it may be permanent regardless of treatment. In some cases, pseudotumor cerebri recurs. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Pseudotumor Cerebri Information Page: NINDS)