Description

• Buildup of CSF pressure without mass lesion or clear alternate etiology
• Synonyms: Pseudotumor cerebri, benign intracranial hypertension
• Exact mechanism unknown, theories include:
  • May be related to venous sinus stenosis
  • Cerebrospinal fluid outflow resistance
  • Obesity-related increased abdominal and intracranial venous pressure
  • Altered sodium and water retention
  • Abnormalities of vitamin A metabolism
• Associated with obesity among women of child-bearing age
• In prepubertal children: Equal male:female incidence
• Average age of onset: 30 yr
• In postpubertal >90% of cases occur in women
• Uncommon: ∼1–2 cases per 100,000; increasing in incidence and prevalence

Etiology

Associations:

• Obesity
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Hypervitaminosis A
• Steroids/steroid withdrawal
• Growth hormone supplementation
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Recent weight gain