Pseudotumor cerebri

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Central nervous system

Pseudotumor cerebri is a reversible process affecting the brain that appears to be -- but is not -- a tumor.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension

The cause for the condition is unknown.

Certain medicines can increase your risk for this condition. These medicines include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Tetracycline
• Nitrofurantoin
• Isotretinoin
• Minocycline
• Tamoxifen
• Nalidixic acid
• Lithium
• Steroids (starting or stopping them)

The following factors also increase your risk:

• Obesity
• Vitamin A (too much or too little)
• Cushing’s disease
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic kidney failure
• Anemia

The condition occurs more frequently in women than men, particularly in premenopausal obese women. It is rare in infants.

Review Date: 03/05/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.