What Is Pseudotumor Cerebri, aka Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?
Simply speaking, Pseudotumor Cerebri is a condition in which the body either produces too much cerebrospinal fluid pressure or doesn’t absorb it well, resulting in increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Pseudotumor cerebri literally means “false brain tumor” because it’s symptoms mimic those of brain tumors. It is also (more accurately) called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). The term idiopathic is applied because it’s cause is not truly known. It is likely due to high pressure caused by the buildup or poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain, but the reason for the buildup or poor absorption are also unknown. The disorder is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. Being overweight seems to be a a possible contributing factor, but PTC should not be ruled out based only on body weight, age, or gender. Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri: • headache, sometimes daily, sometimes severe, not relieved by medication • hearing l
