Pseudotumor Cerebri Information Page
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What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Pseudotumor cerebri, also called benign intracranial hypertension, literally means "false brain tumor." It is caused by increased pressure within the brain and is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, which include headache, nausea, vomiting, and pulsating intracranial noises, closely mimic symptoms of brain tumors, possibly because of the abnormal buildup of pressure within the brain.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for pseudotumor cerebri is usually symptomatic. Pressure may be controlled by removing excess fluid with repeated spinal taps or by shunting. Steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling of brain tissue. Drugs to reduce cerebrospinal fluid production or hyperosmotic drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup.
What is the prognosis?
Once the diagnosis is made and the disorder is treated, pseudotumor cerebri usually has no serious consequences. If visual loss occurs, however, it may be permanent regardless of treatment. In some cases, pseudotumor cerebri recurs.
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