Severe headache that feels like a tumor in the head? Let's talk about Pseudotumor Cerebri!

Do you sometimes get a severe headache? At the same time, do you feel a little blurry in your vision, nausea, or dizziness ? When these symptoms occur, the biggest fear that comes to our mind is, 'Oh, do I have a tumor in my head?' But we don't always have to be afraid. Because, there is a condition that shows the symptoms of a brain tumor, but is not actually a tumor. That's what we call Pseudotumor Cerebri.

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

The word "pseudotumor" means "false tumor." This means that it is not actually a cancerous tumor. However, the symptoms are very similar to those of a brain tumor. The most common medical name for this is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) . Simply put, this is when the pressure around your brain increases for no apparent reason.

We cannot determine for ourselves whether these symptoms are due to a brain tumor or a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible and get checked out. This condition can be uncomfortably painful, and it can also cause permanent damage to your vision. If you start treatment early, you can save your eyesight.

Why is this happening? What is the reason?

Okay, let's see why the pressure around the brain increases like this.

Our brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a special fluid that protects them from damage. We call this cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . Our body constantly produces this fluid, and it is also reabsorbed through the blood vessels. This is to maintain a certain amount of fluid around the brain at all times.

But sometimes, our bodies start to produce too much of this fluid. Or, they don't reabsorb as much as they produce. Either way, the result is an increase in the amount of CSF fluid around the brain. When this fluid builds up, the pressure inside the brain increases. This increased pressure causes the optic nerve, which carries messages from our eyes to the brain, to swell. That's when vision problems start to occur.

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Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

Pseudotumor Cerebri is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50. Women who are overweight (obese) are at higher risk.

In addition, this risk may be increased by certain other medical conditions and medications.

What exactly are the symptoms of this?

Here are some signs that you may have this condition.

Since this condition can cause vision damage, it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible and receive treatment .

These symptoms may worsen when you are active, such as when you exercise. This is because the pressure inside the brain increases during exercise.

How does a doctor recognize this?

When you go to see a doctor, they first ask about your symptoms and medical history.

The biggest clue to diagnosing this disease is that when the doctor examines your eye with a special instrument (ophthalmoscope), the optic nerve at the back of the eye appears to be swollen .

In addition, you may need to have one or more of these tests:

• Spinal tap / Lumbar puncture:This involves inserting a small needle into your lower back and removing a small amount of the CSF fluid that surrounds your spinal cord. This test can check for increased pressure inside the head and can help to reduce the pressure by removing some of the excess fluid.
• CT scan ( computed tomography ): This is a powerful X-ray test that can produce detailed images of your brain.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to look for increased pressure inside the brain or other abnormal growths.

You will also need to have your eyes checked regularly . An ophthalmologist will check for blind spots and swelling of the optic nerve.

How is it treated?

Starting treatment as soon as possible can save your vision.

Lifestyle changes

One of the best and most important treatments for this is to lose weight if you are overweight . Losing weight on your own can be difficult. Therefore, it is best to seek the help of a nutritionist or trainer. It is also important to limit salt and fluids in your diet. This can reduce the amount of CSF fluid produced in the body.

Medicine and surgery

Medication and surgery to reduce pressure on the brain are the main treatments.

• Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) is the most common medication. This reduces the amount of CSF fluid produced by the body. Also, if you have a headache, such as a migraine, you will be given medication for that as well.
• Surgery: If symptoms cannot be controlled with medications, surgery may be necessary.
• Shunting: Simply put, this involves inserting a small tube into the brain or spinal cord and draining the excess fluid (CSF).
• Optic nerve sheath fenestration: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the tissue surrounding the optic nerve, allowing the fluid that has accumulated there to drain.

After treatment, the pressure inside the brain will gradually decrease and you will start to feel better. Most people recover completely. However, a small number of people may have permanent vision damage.