Pseudotumor cerebri

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment must be directed at the specific cause of the pseudotumor.

A lumbar puncture can help relieve pressure within the brain and prevent vision problems.

Other treatments may include:

• Fluid or salt restrictions
• Medications such as corticosteroids, glycerol, acetazolamide, and furosemide
• Shunting procedures to relieve pressure due to spinal fluid retention
• Surgery to relieve pressure on the optic nerve
• Weight loss

The patient will need their vision closely monitored, since there is potential for progressive and sometimes permanent visual loss. Follow-up MRI or CT scans may be done to rule out hidden cancer.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Sometimes the condition disappears on its own within 6 months. About 10-20% of persons have their symptoms return. A small number of patients have symptoms that slowly get worse and lead to blindness.

Possible Complications

Vision loss is a serious complication of this condition.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you or your child experience the symptoms listed above.

References

Jonnalagadda J. Lithium, minocycline, and pseudotumor cerebri. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. March 1, 2005; 44(3): 209.

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004; 2048-2049.