Pseudotumor Cerebri

Alternate Names : Benign Intracranial Hypertension

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that causes increased intracranial pressure, or pressure within the brain, for unknown reasons. Symptoms are produced that are sometimes mistaken for a brain tumor.

What is going on in the body?

This condition is not fully understood. It is more common in women who are between the ages of 20 and 50, who are overweight, and who have irregular menstrual periods. An eye exam shows swelling of the optic nerves in the retina, known as papilledema, which indicates increased intracranial pressure. The symptoms mimic those of a brain tumor.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There is no clear cause of this disorder. There is a possibility that tetracycline, oral contraceptives, and medications that contain steroids may cause the condition. However, they do not always lead to this disorder.

Infertility may result from irregular menstrual periods. Optic nerve swelling may lead to blindness if the intracranial pressure is not relieved.