Medical Health Encyclopedia

Pseudotumor cerebri


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Central nervous system
Central nervous system
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Definition

Pseudotumor cerebri is a reversible process affecting the brain that appears to be -- but is not -- a tumor.


Alternative Names

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension; Benign intracranial hypertension


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.



Review Date: 03/05/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.




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