Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome (meaning false tumor), also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition that causes increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the brain, typically triggered by weight gain or obesity. This increased pressure results in symptoms that mimic a brain tumor, including loss of vision. If a cause for the pressure increase is determined, the condition is instead called secondary intracranial hypertension.
About Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Your brain and spinal cord are surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which is produced in the brain and eventually is absorbed into the bloodstream at a rate that usually allows the pressure in your brain to remain constant. If too much fluid is produced, or not enough is re-absorbed, the cerebrospinal fluid can build up and cause pressure within the skull. While the cause of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is not known, the increased intracranial pressure of pseudotumor cerebri might result from a problem in this absorption process.
The increased intracranial pressure can cause swelling of the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and sometimes blindness. Vision problems in pseudotumor cerebri evolve slowly over time, with temporary episodes of visual blurring that often start in the peripheral field of vision. If the pressure continues to build up, the nerves governing eye movement can also be affected, causing double vision
Symptoms of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Like a real brain tumor, the symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome may present in a variety of ways. Exertion can increase pressure inside the skull, meaning your symptoms may worsen with exercise or physical activity.
Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome may include:
- A ringing in your ears
- Brief episodes of blindness, typically lasting a few seconds and affecting one or both eyes
- Changes in vision, such as double vision, or vision loss
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Seeing light flashes
- Severe headaches that might originate behind the eyes
Risk Factors for Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome
Although the cause of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is unknown, certain factors may increase your vulnerability to the condition.
Risk factors for pseudotumor cerebri syndrome may include:
- Comorbid conditions: Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is associated with blood vessel irregularities and sleep apnea.
- Health history: Condition onset is linked to the use of medications including tetracyclines, lithium, and vitamin A derivatives.
- Personal history: Body weight is the most significant preventable pseudotumor cerebri syndrome risk factor, although people of all body types can develop the disorder.
- Sex: The condition is nine times more common in women.
Treating Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome at UT Medicine
A careful eye exam and testing of the visual fields is crucial to determine the risk of vision loss in patients with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome. An eye exam may reveal optic nerve swelling at the back of the eye, known as papilledema. Treatment depends on what is causing the fluid to build up inside the skull. Your ophthalmologist is well-versed in the most current, evidence-based treatment recommendations, which may include monitoring or surgery, and will work with you on determining the best course of action.
