Pseudotumor cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri

The condition in which pressure in your skull increase without any identified cause which is also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Pseudotumor cerebri mimic the brain tumor signs and symptoms therefore there is difficulty in diagnosis. It is mostly occur in women in second and third decade of life.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Pseudotumor cerebri include:

Causes

The exact cause of this condition is still unknown but it many research says that increase intracranial pressure occur due to the defect in absorption process of cerebrospinal fluid which may accumulate the excess fluid in the brain and spinal cord space and pressure will increase and compressed the brain substance which produces signs and symptoms.

Diagnosis

After taking history your doctor might recommend the following test to diagnose the condition:

  • Eye examination to rule out any damage to eye
  • Lumbar puncture to check the cerebrospinal fluid
  • Blood test to check complete blood count
  • Brain imaging test rule out any malignancy
Treatment

The main focus of treatment is to prevent the complications and reduce the signs and symptoms. Following treatment options include:

  • Migraine medications for severe headache
  • Glaucoma drugs to prevent damage to the eye and optic nerve
  • Diuretics to reduce the increase intracranial pressure
  • Surgical process include spinal fluid shunt, optic nerve sheath fenestration etc.
Lifestyle and home remedies

Following tips will help you to reduce symptoms:

  • Reduce weight
  • Take rest
  • Take hypertensive medicine if you have hypertension
  • Eat healthy food
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid stress
  • Limit alcohol consumption
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