Pseudotumor cerebri presenting as headache

Abstract

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is characterized by intracranial hypertension without ventriculomegaly, in the absence of a mass lesion or meningeal process. When there is no secondary cause, it is termed ‘idiopathic intracranial hypertension’. Headache is the most common symptom of PTC, present in over 90% of patients. The headache is often disabling and nonspecific in character; thus, ophthalmoscopy is imperative for all patients being evaluated for headache. Visual loss is the major morbidity of PTC, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent deficits. Medical and surgical treatments are employed, although evidence-based treatment guidelines do not exist. This review discusses the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and management strategies for patients with PTC.

Keywords::

• cerebrospinal fluid shunt
• headache disorder
• intracranial hypertension
• obesity
• papilledema
• pseudotumor cerebri
• secondary

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by a Research to Prevent Blindness Challenge Grant and the National Eye Institute K23EY015525. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this -manuscript.

Notes

*Common, well-established associations.

*In boys, supported by no evidence of pubic hair. In girls, supported by lack of breast development, growth of pubic hair or menarche.

Reproduced with permission from [18].