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Pseudotumor cerebri, commonly known as “pseudotumor cerebri”, is medically referred to as “idiopathic intracranial hypertension” or “benign intracranial hypertension “. A tumor in the cranium is a condition in which intracranial pressure increases without a space-occupying formation such as bleeding, cyst. It is usually seen in young women, less often it can also be seen in men. Excessive vitamin use, some medications and hormone treatments can lead to this condition. The most common complaints are headache, tinnitus and visual disturbances. Women are more likely to complain of headaches, while men are more likely to consult a doctor complaining of vision loss.
The appearance and persistence of a headache that did not exist before, a feeling of vascular ringing in the ears, areas that cannot be seen in the visual field are typical complaints for pseudotumor cerebri. Usually, the examination findings of the patients are found to be normal. A neuroophthalmological examination can detect swelling and edema in both optic discs, as well as areas of vision loss in the visual field. When investigating the causes of intracranial pressure, it is necessary to exclude causes such as brain tumor and sinus vein thrombosis. Tests such as cranial MRI and MR venography are performed on the patients. Blood tests are performed in terms of metabolic causes. If a cause that will increase intracranial pressure has not been identified, the cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF) pressure is measured by performing a lumbar puncture. If CSF pressure is found to be high, pseudotumor cerebri is diagnosed. Treatment begins with medication therapy and a weight loss diet. Slimming holds a very important place in the treatment of these patients.
With slimming, significant improvement in the disease can be observed. If complaints continue despite drug treatment under the supervision of a doctor, or if an increase in complaints is observed, special interventional treatments can be applied to complaints. Surgical treatments are not required in most patients, but a shunt can be inserted if the CSF pressure is high and causes severe headache. If the patient's vision loss progresses, the optic nerve fenestration operation for the optic nerve sheaths can be performed.
