Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri is an increase in intracranial pressure without a brain tumor or cerebral hemorrhage. The cause of pseudotumor is usually unclear. However, it is rarely the result of a rare condition such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or as a side effect of certain medications such as birth control pills. may occur. The disease is also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Overweight women between 20 and 45 years of age are more likely to develop the disease. they are more at risk. It can also occur in children. Pseudotumor cerebri, especially in children, is often misdiagnosed and therefore underdiagnosed. is a disease that is treated.

Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri

Because the symptoms are similar to those of a brain tumor, the disease is called pseudotumor cerebri, or pseudotumor. The most important symptom is chronic headache. The pain usually increases when leaning forward, coughing or sneezing. In addition to chronic headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting and cognitive impairment may occur. Visual disturbances are particularly important for prompt treatment of pseudotumor cerebri. Because untreated A pseudotumor can damage the optic nerves and cause blindness.

The symptoms mentioned above can also be symptoms of many different diseases. In pseudotumor cerebri, there may be no evidence of any other cause of increased intracranial pressure. disease is absent. That is, there is increased intracranial pressure without hydrocephalus, brain masses, structural, inflammatory or vascular brain lesions.

Treatment

Fluid is removed from the vertebral canal to confirm the diagnosis and for treatment, resulting in a rapid temporary relief of symptoms. In the first instance, the patient's weight loss together with medication. Conservative treatments may provide relief to the patient. If conservative measures do not lead to permanent improvement, excess CSF fluid Shunt surgery to drain from the spinal canal into the abdominal cavity can provide a permanent cure.

A shunt is a thin tube inserted into the spinal canal under general anesthesia. It is used to drain excess CSF fluid to a suitable area in the body. The amount of fluid is controlled by a valve placed on the shunt. Another surgical option developed in recent years to treat pseudotumor cerebri is is optic nerve decompression.

For information and treatment, you can contact Associate Professor Dr. Ali Yilmaz here.