What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri, sometimes referred to as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), is a serious medical condition occurring when pressure inside the skull increases for no obvious reason. The term pseudotumor cerebri literally translates to “false brain tumor,” and symptoms of the condition mimic those of a brain tumor, when no tumor is present. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include: a headache behind the eyes, brief episodes of blindness, and a ringing in the ears in time with the heartbeat. In some cases, pseudotumor cerebri may cause increased pressure on the optic nerve, which can lead to permanent blindness.

Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear, watery fluid that can be found in the brain and spine, and while its primary function is to act as a cushion for the brain’s cortex, the fluid also removes waste products from the brain and circulates nutrients and chemicals filtered from the blood. Cerebrospinal fluid is essential to the protection of the brain, providing a mechanical barrier against shock, and maintaining pressure within the skull at a constant level. However, when there is too much of the fluid inside the skull, it can put a dangerous amount of pressure on the brain, which can have devastating consequences.