False Brain Tumor (Pseudotumour Cerebri)

False brain tumor, also known as benign intracranial hypertension, is a rare disease characterized by increased intracranial pressure in the absence of a tumor or other brain pathology.

Main symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances such as double vision. The disease is more common in women of reproductive age and obese people.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of complaints, examination of the fundus, as well as the results of a CT or MRI of the brain, which can exclude a brain tumor or other causes of increased intracranial pressure.

Treatment is aimed at reducing blood pressure and preventing vision loss. It includes the use of diuretics, weight loss for obesity, and, if ineffective, surgical treatment.

The prognosis with timely diagnosis and treatment is usually favorable. However, the disease has a tendency to relapse.

An interesting headline comes to my attention: “False brain tumor (Pseudotumor cerebri)”

Introduction and definitions. A brain tumor is a tumor that develops inside the skull that can impair the function of the brain and other organs. A false brain tumor (Pseudotumor Cerebri), however, is not a tumor in the true sense of the word, but rather an abnormality of intracranial pressure. Intracranial pressure is the pressure of fluid inside the skull. When intracranial tension is increased, it can lead to headaches, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision (amblyopia).

Causes and symptoms. The causes of a false brain tumor can be different. The most common are too much tension in the neck muscles, pregnancy, prolonged lying down or during stressful situations (for example, during an exam or at work).