Pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure in brain)

Head | Neurology | Pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure in brain) (Disease)


Description

Pseudotumor Cerebri means false brain tumor.

Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, which include headache, nausea, vomiting, and pulsating sounds within the head, closely mimic symptoms of large brain tumors. The disorder may cause progressive, permanent visual loss in some patients. In some cases, pseudotumor cerebri recurs.

Causes and Risk factors

It is likely due to high pressure within the skull caused by the buildup or poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The disorder is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In terms of treatment surgery may be needed to remove pressure on the optic nerve. Therapeutic shunting, which involves surgically inserting a tube to drain CSF from the lower spine into the abdominal cavity, may be needed to remove excess CSF and relieve CSF pressure; Drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup and to relieve pressure etc. ...