Pseudotumour cerebri syndrome

Abstract

Pseudotumour cerebri syndrome, previously known as benign intracranial hypertension and more recently termed idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is characterized by headaches, raised intracranial pressure, and the risk of sudden irreversible visual loss. The pathophysiology of the condition is not fully understood but reduced cerebrospinal fluid absorption secondary to venous outflow obstruction seems to be an important factor. Treatment of patients with this condition is generally with lumbar punctures, weight loss, and lumboperitoneal shunts but ventriculoperitoneal shunts, subtemporal decompression, venous sinus stenting, and acetazolamide may also be used. Prognosis in pseudotumour cerebri syndrome is variable—some patients stabilize after a single lumbar puncture, while others have persistent symptoms for many years. A patient’s symptoms may improve and then recur years later, especially if weight has been lost and then regained again.