Pseudotumor Cerebri
Nerve Information Page
Synonyms: Idiopathic
Intracranial Hypertension, Intracranial Hypertension
Table of Contents
What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Pseudotumor
cerebri literally means "false brain tumor." It is likely due to
high pressure caused by the buildup or poor absorption of
cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain.
The disorder 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.
Is there any treatment?
Some treatable diseases can
cause raised intracranial pressure and symptoms of pseudotumor
cerebri. A thorough physical examination is needed to rule out these
disorders. If a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri is confirmed,
hyperosmotic drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup. Diuretics
are commonly used to relieve pressure. Weight loss and cessation of
certain drugs (including oral contraceptives and a variety of
steroids) will lead to improvement. Therapeutic shunting, which
involves surgically inserting a draining tube from the spinal fluid
space in the lower spine into the abdominal cavity, may be needed to
remove excess fluid and relieve pressure. Close, repeated
ophthalmologic exams are required to monitor any changes in vision.
Surgery may be needed to remove pressure on the optic nerve.
What is the prognosis?
The disorder may cause
progressive, permanent visual loss in some patients. In some cases,
pseudotumor cerebri recurs.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and
supports research on disorders of the brain and nervous system,
including pseudotumor cerebri. This research focuses primarily on
increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding
ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.
Organizations
Intracranial Hypertension Research
Foundation
6517 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA
98661
info@ihrfoundation.org
http://www.ihrfoundation.org/
Tel:
360-693-4473
Fax: 360-694-7062
National Organization for Rare Disorders
(NORD)
P.O. Box 1968
(55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury,
CT 06813-1968
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel:
203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax:
203-798-2291
Pseudotumor Cerebri Support
Network
8247 Riverside Drive
Powell, OH
43065
ptcduncan@juno.com
http://www.pseudotumorcerebri.com/
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public
Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information
purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or
an official position of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained
through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient
or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Last updated December 03, 2004
|
