Pseudo Tumor Cerebri Information

Pseudo Tumor Cerebri
"False Brain Tumor"

Also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Idiopathic, because they do not know a cause.
It generally  happens to overweight women of child bearing age, heredity plays a part in many cases, but not all. (so far we know of no others in my family with this condition) It can, however strike anyone, and no cause is known. There is also no cure. There are treatments which work for some, not for all.

What is it?

Lack of absorption of cerebral spinal fluid- which then builds up around the brain and creates massive pressure, simulating a crushing effect on the brain.

Can lead to blindness.

Mimics a Large Brain Tumor. (see symptoms below; I have asterisked the symptom I am struggling with)

Tests:

MRI, CT Scan, other imaging of the brain, Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) - that's the only confirmation of the disease, and the only way to measure pressure. (This procedure feels like your spine is being shoved through your abdominal wall, and can lead to flulike symptoms and inability to walk properly for a couple of days after.)

Treatment:

Daily: (top)
Diamox- a special water pill designed to work with fluid in the head.
Topomax- a nerve suppressant, which works toward daily migraine suppressant.
Antidepressants- because most people with a chronic disease end up being depressed.
depends on the person, but some will take a daily allergy pill for its analgesic properties regarding the faculties which deal with migraines.

AND...daily medicines like Aleve or Advil- all work together like a cocktail to help minimize daily migraines.

Potentially Routine/repeated procedures:

Spinal Taps (lumbar punctures) to pull off extra pressure. (this is the only way to test the level of pressure)
Brain Shunts- to create a constant drainage from the excess fluid.

Symptoms/Complications: (I will asterisk the symptoms  I am dealing with)

Common:
*Increased Intracranial pressure
*Migraines/headaches
*-Vision loss/blurred vision/double vision/tunnel vision (no loss, but the other things are true at times)
*Depression
*Nausea/vomiting
*Sleep issues

Progressive:
Atrophy of the optic nerve
3rd cranial nerve disorder
6th cranial nerve disorder
Anisocoria
Papilloedema
Galactorrhoea-Hyperprolactinaemia
*Hearing problems/ringing in the ears
systemic hypertension
Sinus Bradycardia

More acute cases:
*Mood /Personality or behavioral changes (occasional)
*Mental confusion (severe)
*Memory, concentration and cognitive function loss (rapid and increasing)
*Hormonal disorders
*Speech disorder (mild/occasional so far)
Seizures
Balance disorder
Chronic Brain Failure (similar to dementia- having signs of..)
Respiratory failure type 2
Cheyne-Stokes respirations



There are more, but this is as far as I can bare to go right now.. it's been an all day post, as it is...

This is more on the disease, less on me! Just so you all see clearly what the disease is.

Thanks for reading, my friends!



Food for thought of the day: Nature in all of its glory... may give us an ugly place to exist in... but will somehow gift us with beauty!

Namaste!