Pseudotumor Cerebri
By: Karlee Kesler
Introduction
Blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, double vision and vision loss are only a few of the symptoms of a Pseudotumor cerebri. Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in which the pressure inside the skull increases [ Intracranial pressure]. This disease is most common in women and children. There are more than 10 symptoms for this condition. Even though the specific cause of a Pseudotumor cerebri is unknown, evidence suggests it may be linked to an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
what is a Pseudotumor cerebri?
Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that increases the intracranial pressure. It is most common in woman between the ages of 20 and 50. Pseudotumor cerebri literally means false brain tumor. It shows the symptoms of a tumor, but no tumor is present.(Medline1)
Symptoms
People who have Pseudotumor cerebri may get moderate to severe headaches along with a dozen others. These headaches start behind the eyes and can become worse over night. Visual obscurations, diplopia, and photopsia are three of the symptoms or signs of this condition.(Mayoclinic1) In rare cases, difficulty walking may occur. Different people have different symptoms, sometimes depending on how bad the case is.
Causes
This condition is more common in women than men. It is rare in infants, but can occur in children. Experts don't know why Pseudotumor cerebri happens. Some medications have been linked to an increased risk of developing Pseudotumor cerebri, including common medications like oral contraceptives, certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, steroids, and some acne medications. Pseudotumor cerebri is linked to a couple more things too.(Mayoclinic 1)
Conclusion
It is safe to say that Psedotumor cerebri is not a tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri is a false tumor. It has many symptoms yet the cause still remai s unknown. The one question that may never have an answer is, why does this happen?
Citations
Mayoclinic staff " Pseudotumor cerebri." Mayoclinic. Org
Medlineplus staff "Pseudotumor cerebri" Medline plus.com