Overview. Pseudotumor cerebri (SOO-doe-too-mur SER-uh-bry) occurs when the pressure inside your skull (intracranial pressure) increases for no obvious reason. It’s also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Symptoms mimic those of a brain tumor.
Is pseudotumor cerebri curable?
The name means “false brain tumor” because its symptoms are similar to those caused by brain tumors. It’s also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This condition is treatable, but it can return in some cases.
Is pseudotumor cerebri an emergency?
Pseudotumor cerebri is a medical emergency since it can cause blindness. Treatment usually is effective, and most people have no or minimal vision loss. Pseudotumor cerebri can return after treatment, but keeping a healthy weight may help to prevent this.
Is pseudotumor a disability?
If pseudotumor cerebri causes your eyesight to be 20/200 or worse, you will medically qualify for disability benefits. If you don’t meet the specific criteria for a condition in the Blue Book, you can still win your disability claim by using the medical-vocational allowance.
Does pseudotumor cerebri make you fat?
A number of risk factors are associated with developing Pseudotumor Cerebri. Recent weight gain is strongly linked with this condition.
Can you get disability for pseudotumor cerebri?
How is a pseudo tumor diagnosed?
Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome is usually diagnosed by eye examinations, brain scans, and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). In an individual with pseudotumor cerebri syndrome, an eye examination will almost always show swelling of the optic nerves (papilledema) resulting from high pressure in the brain.
Does pseudotumor go away?
With treatment, the pressure in your brain will go down. You should start to feel better within a few months. Most people completely recover, but a few will have permanent vision loss. Because pseudotumor cerebri can come back, see your doctor for follow-up visits and get regular eye checkups.
Can I fly with pseudotumor cerebri?
Patients may not travel by commercial flight with increased intracranial pressure or intracranial air. Flying at normal cruising altitude with the cabin pressure at ¾ atm will aggravate the effect of increased ICP with risk of incarceration (brainstem compression).
Can an MRI detect pseudotumor cerebri?
Diagnosis of Pseudotumor Cerebri Diagnosis involves ruling out other health problems including an actual brain tumor. A physical exam and a few tests can help identify pseudotumor cerebri and rule out other causes for pressure inside the skull. The tests include: Brain imaging such as MRI or CT scans.
