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.
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