NINDS Pseudotumor Cerebri Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Pseudotumor Cerebri Information Page: NINDS
Main condition: Pseudotumor cerebri
Conditions: Pseudotumor cerebri

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Pseudotumor cerebri, also called benign intracranial hypertension, literally means "false brain tumor." It is caused by increased pressure within the brain and is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, which include headache, nausea, vomiting, and pulsating intracranial noises, closely mimic symptoms of brain tumors, possibly because of the abnormal buildup of pressure within the brain.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for pseudotumor cerebri is generally symptomatic. Pressure may be controlled by removing excess fluid with repeated spinal taps or by shunting. Steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling of brain tissue. Drugs to reduce cerebrospinal fluid production or hyperosmotic drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup.

What is the prognosis?
Once the diagnosis is made and the disorder is treated, pseudotumor cerebri generally has no serious consequences. If visual loss occurs, however, it may be permanent regardless of treatment. In some cases, pseudotumor cerebri recurs.

What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on disorders of the brain and nervous system, including pseudotumor cerebri. This research primarily focuses on increasing scientific understanding of these disorders and finding ways to prevent, treat, and cure them.

Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

Pseudotumor Cerebri Society
750 East Adams Street
c/o Dr. D. Friedman
Syracuse, NY 13210
Tel: 315-464-3937
Fax: 315-464-5006

Pseudotumor Cerebri Support Network
8247 Riverside Drive
Powell, OH 43065
sondra@sprynet.com
http://www.pseudotumorcerebri.com/
Tel: 614-794-0442
Fax: 614-794-1403

Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation
6517 Buena Vista Drive
Vancouver, WA 98661
IHRF@aol.com
http://www.ihrfoundation.org/
Tel: 360-693-4473
Fax: 360-694-7062

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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