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Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by increased intercranial pressure, which can mimic the symptoms of a brain tumor. It is more common in overweight women aged 20-50 and can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or damage.
Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, sometimes called idiopathic intercranial hypertension, is a neurological condition characterized by increased intercranial pressure, indicating that there is too much cerebrospinal fluid in the skull. The name of this condition literally translates as “false brain tumor,” because the symptoms and presentation can mimic those of a brain tumor. Fortunately, pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is much less dangerous than a brain tumor and there are several options that can be used to treat it to relieve pressure and address symptoms.
This condition occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 20 and 50. It’s more common in overweight people and people taking certain medications, along with people who have underlying conditions like lupus. The condition was also seen more frequently among pregnant women. It is caused by an overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid or inadequate reabsorption and drainage, which causes fluid to start building up in the skull, putting pressure on the brain and causing some very distinctive symptoms.
People with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome tend to experience headaches, vision changes, nausea, vomiting, and a throbbing sensation in the head, all classic signs of a large brain tumor. These symptoms in combination are a signal that it’s time to see a doctor, ideally a neurologist. Typically, a neurologist will request a medical imaging study when the patient has these symptoms, to get to the bottom of what’s causing them. In the case of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, no tumor will be visible, but there will be an obvious accumulation of fluid in the skull.
Sometimes medications can be used to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the skull, and in some cases, lifestyle changes such as losing weight or stopping the use of certain medications such as birth control can also solve the problem. In other cases, surgery may need to be done to drain the fluid. A surgeon may also choose to install a shunt that will allow fluid to drain so it cannot build up again.
Once treated, pseudotumor cerebri syndrome can recur, in which case patients may need to seek more aggressive treatment options. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or damage from pressure against the eye, which makes it important to get proper treatment, even if it may involve some discomfort or lifestyle adjustments.
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