How to Get a Pseudotumor Cerebri Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Women who have been diagnosed with or are suffering symptoms of Pseudotumor Cerebri, Intracranial Hypertension or Papilledema after use of Mirena IUD may be eligible for compensation from Bayer for failing to warn of the risk of these devastating injuries. Consumer advocates believe that Bayer deliberately failed to warn doctors and patients of the risks of these injuries, even though they should have been aware of them as early as the late 1990s, to protect sales of their product, putting thousands of women at unnecessary risk.

To diagnose Pseudotumor Cerebri, a doctor will review symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order several tests that include.

Eye exams

A doctor trained in eye conditions (ophthalmologist) may conduct an eye examination.

If pseudotumor cerebri is suspected, your eye doctor will look for a distinctive type of swelling affecting the optic nerve, called papilledema, in the back of your eye.

You’ll also undergo a visual fields test to see if there are any blind spots in your vision besides your so-called normal blind spot in each eye where the optic nerve enters the retina.

Brain imaging

Your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan. These tests can rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms, such as brain tumors and blood clots.

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

Your doctor may order a lumbar puncture to measure the pressure inside your skull, as well as your glucose and protein levels.

In this test, a specialist inserts a needle between two vertebrae in your lower back and removes a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing in the laboratory.

“Pseudotumor Cerebri is commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Individuals who suffer from common symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri should ask their doctor to look into this as a possible source of their complications.”

Treating Pseudotumor Cerebri

Treatment options may be almost as bad as the condition itself. Sometimes medications will reduce the fluid levels, which relieves the pressure. If the case is more severe, shunts (surgical tubes) must be inserted into the skull to drain the excess fluid.

The goal of pseudotumor cerebri treatment is to improve your symptoms and keep your eyesight from worsening. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend surgery to control your symptoms.

Medications

Glaucoma drugs – One of the first drugs usually tried is acetazolamide (Diamox), a glaucoma drug. This medication may reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Also, it has been shown to improve symptoms in 47 to 67 percent of people. Possible side effects include stomach upset, fatigue, tingling of fingers, toes and mouth, and kidney stones.

Diuretics – If acetazolamide alone isn’t effective, it’s sometimes combined with furosemide (Lasix), a potent diuretic that reduces fluid retention by increasing urine output.

Migraine medications – Medications usually prescribed to relieve migraines can sometimes ease the severe headaches that often accompany pseudotumor cerebri.

If your vision worsens, surgery to reduce the pressure around your optic nerve or to decrease the intracranial pressure may be necessary.

Surgery

Optic nerve sheath fenestration – In this procedure, a surgeon cuts a window into the membrane that surrounds the optic nerve. This allows excess cerebrospinal fluid to escape.

Vision stabilizes or improves in most cases. Most people who have this procedure done on one eye notice a benefit for both eyes. However, this surgery isn’t always successful and may even increase vision problems.

Spinal fluid shunt – In another type of surgery, your doctor inserts a long, thin tube (shunt) into your brain or lower spine to help drain away excess cerebrospinal fluid.

The tubing is burrowed under your skin to your abdomen, where the shunt discharges the excess fluid. Symptoms may improve for some people who undergo this procedure.

However, shunts can become clogged and often require additional surgeries to keep them working properly. Complications can include low-pressure headaches and infections.

This procedure is generally only a treatment option if other treatments haven’t relieved your condition.

If you’re obese, your doctor will recommend weight loss. You may work with a dietitian to help with your weight-loss goals. Losing weight may improve your symptoms. Some people who are morbidly obese may benefit from weight-loss programs or gastric surgery to lose weight.