surgery for pseudotumor cerbri?

Answer 1

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a condition of increased intracranial pressure with normal cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) composition and no underlying structural abnormality.

The ultimate goal of PTC treatment is to lower the intracranial pressure and optic disc edema. There are several therapies including medications and surgical treatments which are mentioned in the pseudotumor cerebri. The most common medication is Diamox. Another treatment is with Topiramate (Topomax). Topomax has been shown to be an effective headache medication. Both Diamox and Topomax are a carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (this can lead to less production of CSF, which can lower the intracranial pressure) with weight loss as one of its desirable side effects.

it may have other causes too.For example, discontinuation of tetracycline, Vitamin A and steroids would be the first line of treatment for those patients who consume these drugs. For those patients with dural sinus thrombosis standard treatment involves heparin or warfarin anticoagulation therapy or direct endovascular thrombolytic therapy.

surgery may also be needed in some cases..

hope this helps u..

Answer 2

The answers given are correct. This posting is directed to "Jimmy."

True, the terminology may be somewhat misleading and even scary, but cancer it is not.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension is a condition of high pressure in the fluid around the brain. It is also known as pseudotumor cerebri because there are some of the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor without a brain tumor being present (pseudo meaning false).

The space around the brain is filled with a water-like fluid. If there is too much of this fluid present, (for example, if not enough being absorbed), the pressure around the brain rises. This is because the space containing the fluid cannot expand. It is this high pressure that produces the symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (idiopathic means unknown cause; intracranial means inside the head; hypertension means the fluid is under high pressure).

Answer 3

If a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri is confirmed, hyperosmotic drugs may be used to reduce fluid buildup. Diuretics are commonly used to relieve pressure. Weight loss and cessation of certain drugs (including oral contraceptives and a variety of steroids) will lead to improvement. Therapeutic shunting, which involves surgically inserting a draining tube from the spinal fluid space in the lower spine into the abdominal cavity, may be needed to remove excess fluid and relieve pressure. Close, repeated ophthalmologic exams are required to monitor any changes in vision. Surgery may be needed to remove pressure on the optic nerve.

Answer 4

Maybe rarely. If an underlying cause (vitamin A, corticosteroid use) is identified and removed, it often spontaneously resolves. If an underlying disease is diagnosed (e.g., Lyme disease or lupus), it likewise often improves upon treatment. However, if vision is threatened, a surgical shunting may be performed.

http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic329.htm


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Answer 5

Very good! I particularly like the descriptions!!