Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)

Overview

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition in your skull. For unknown reasons, too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the skull and creates pressure.

The phrase “pseudotumor cerebri” translates to “false brain tumor” because the symptoms are similar. However, it doesn’t mean you have a tumor. It’s also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, benign intracranial hypertension or intracranial venous hypertension.

If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to visual impairment.

Who might get idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

Benign intracranial hypertension can develop in people of both sexes and all ages. For reasons that scientists don’t entirely understand, it’s much more common in women who are overweight of reproductive age.

The condition occurs in about 1 person in 100,000 of the general U.S. population. It’s 20 times more common in women who are 20 to 44 years old and weigh 20% more than their ideal body weight.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.