Pseudotumor Cerebri
Alternate Names : Benign Intracranial Hypertension, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
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Pseudotumor Cerebri Treatment
Treatment must be directed at the condition causing the pseudotumor. An initial lumbar puncture is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Repeated lumbar punctures may be done to decrease the intracranial pressure and to help prevent progressive papilledema and visual loss. Other treatments may include:
- Fluid and/or salt restriction.
- Medications: Corticosteroids, glycerol, acetazolamide, and furosemide.
- Shunting procedures from the lumbar subarachnoid space to the peritoneal cavity.
- Incision of the optic nerve sheath for relief of the papilledema, and to prevent further deterioration of vision.
- Weight loss is usually recommended.
- Close follow-up and monitoring of vision, since there is potential for progressive and sometimes permanent visual loss.
- Follow-up MRI or CT scan is sometimes necessary to exclude hidden (occult) malignancy (cancer).
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