Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition where there’s too much pressure inside your head, making it feel like you have a brain tumor, but there’s no actual tumor. The pressure comes from extra fluid buildup around the brain.

• Obesity: Especially in women of childbearing age.
• Medications: Some medicines, such as birth control pills, steroids, and certain antibiotics, can raise the risk.
• Hormonal changes: Conditions like pregnancy can trigger the disorder.
• Health conditions: Issues such as kidney disease or sleep apnea can also lead to increased risk.

• Women between the ages of 20 and 40: Especially those who are overweight or experiencing rapid weight gain.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions: For example, those with sleep apnea, lupus, or kidney problems.
• People on specific medications: Some drugs, like birth control pills or treatments for acne, can contribute to the risk.

• Headaches: Often severe and similar to migraines, they are usually located at the front of the head and can worsen with movement or eye strain.
• Vision problems: Blurry vision, seeing flashes of light, or even brief periods of blindness, especially when standing up or bending over.
• Ringing in the ears: A persistent buzzing or ringing sound, known as tinnitus, that may be in sync with your heartbeat.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often associated with the intense headaches caused by the increased pressure in the head.
• Neck and shoulder pain: Discomfort that often accompanies the headaches and vision issues.

• Sudden vision loss: If you experience a sudden or lasting loss of vision in one or both eyes, seek emergency care.
• Severe, persistent headache: A headache that doesn't go away or becomes unbearable might suggest an urgent need for treatment.
• Double vision: If you start seeing double, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider quickly.

• Eye examination: Doctors will check for signs of swelling at the back of the eyes, a condition called papilledema, which is a key sign of increased pressure in the brain.
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This test measures the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spine. If the pressure is high and other tests are normal, this helps confirm the diagnosis.
• Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI of the brain is usually done to rule out a brain tumor or other structural issues that might be causing the symptoms.

• Medications: Certain drugs can help reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid and relieve pressure. Acetazolamide is commonly prescribed to lower fluid levels, while diuretics can help remove excess fluid from the body.
• Weight loss: For those who are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce symptoms.
• Surgery: In severe cases where vision is at risk or other treatments fail, surgery might be necessary. Procedures like optic nerve sheath fenestration (relieving pressure around the optic nerve) or shunting (placing a tube to drain excess fluid) can be used.
• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as improving diet and exercising, can help manage weight and, in turn, alleviate the symptoms.

• Seek medical attention: If you have symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, or ringing in your ears, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
• Visit the emergency room: If you experience sudden vision loss, intense headache, or double vision, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Track your symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, such as when they started, their severity, and what seems to trigger them. This information will help your doctor with the diagnosis.
• Avoid delaying treatment: Early treatment is essential to prevent complications, particularly vision loss, which can become permanent if left untreated.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight is a significant risk factor for pseudotumor cerebri. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help lower your risk.
• Monitor medications: Certain medications, such as birth control pills and steroids, can increase your risk. If you are taking these medications, discuss alternatives or regular monitoring with your healthcare provider.
• Manage other health conditions: Conditions such as sleep apnea or kidney disease can increase your risk. Make sure you are managing these conditions properly by following your doctor’s recommendations and attending regular checkups.
• Stay hydrated: While fluid retention can contribute to increased pressure inside the skull, proper hydration and avoiding excess salt can help manage fluid balance in the body.

• Regular eye exams: Eye doctors can detect early signs of increased pressure in the skull, such as swelling in the optic nerve, before symptoms become severe.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding rapid weight gain can reduce your chances of developing this condition.
• Communicate with your doctor: If you are at risk, maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare provider can help you catch symptoms early and take preventive measures.