Pseudotumor cerebri

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Central nervous system

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension

The major symptom is increased pressure within the skull (increased intracranial pressure). There is no evidence of tumor, infection, blocked drainage of the fluid surrounding the brain, or any other cause.

Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Partial or permanent loss of vision. Patients often complain of blurred vision.

Symptoms may get worse during physical activity, especially when tightening the stomach muscles.

The doctor will perform a physical exam. Signs of this condition include:

• Swelling of a small area in the back of the eye (papilledema)
• Increased head size
• Bulging anterior fontanelle in babies whose cranial sutures are not yet closed

Despite the increased pressure in the skull, there is no change in alertness.

Tests that may be done include:

• CT Scan
• MRI
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Eye exam, including formal visual field testing

The diagnosis is made when other health conditions are ruled out. Several conditions may cause increased intracranial pressure, including venous sinus thrombosis, hydrocephalus, and an intracranial mass (such as a tumor).

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.