What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition which occurs when a pressure is created inside the skull for no obvious reason.

The symptoms of the condition are similar to that of a brain tumour. However, no tumour is present. Children as well as adults can suffer from the condition, obese women of childbearing age are at a higher risk though.

When there is no underlying condition causing the increased intracranial pressure, pseudotumor cerebri may also be called idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

If there is an intracranial pressure associated with pseudotumor cerebri, it can cause swelling of the optic nerve and can result in vision loss. The medication to treat the condition often reduces the pressure but in some cases, surgery is required.

Causes of Pseudotumor Cerebri

Although the exact cause of the condition in most cases is not known but it is believed to be linked to an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the bony confines of your skull.

Usually, the intracranial pressure is increased when the contents of the skull exceed its capacity. Like, a brain tumour generally increases the intracranial pressure because there is no space for the tumour. This is exactly the same thing that happens if the brain swells or if there is too much cerebrospinal fluid.

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