Pseudotumor cerebri - Overview
Alternative Names
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension
Definition of Pseudotumor cerebri:
Pseudotumor cerebri is a process affecting the brain that appears to be -- but is not -- a tumor. It is often reversible.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause for the condition is unknown.
Certain medicines can increase your risk for this condition. These medicines include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Tetracycline
- Nitrofurantoin
- Isotretinoin
- Minocycline
- Tamoxifen
- Nalidixic acid
- Lithium
- Steroids (starting or stopping them)
The following factors also increase your risk:
The condition occurs more frequently in women than men, particularly in premenopausal obese women. It is rare in infants.
- Reviewed last on: 1/17/2008
- A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, MD, Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (3/5/2007).
References
Jonnalagadda J. Lithium, minocycline, and pseudotumor cerebri. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. March 1, 2005; 44(3): 209.
Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004; 2048-2049.
