---
title: Pseudotumor cerebri
description: "Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is raised pressure around the brain with no mass lesion. It can cause papilloedema and visual loss if untreated. ## Symptoms and risk profile The condition is most common in young overweight…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/pseudotumor-cerebri/"
updated: "2025-12-16"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# Pseudotumor cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is raised pressure around the brain with no mass lesion. It can cause papilloedema and visual loss if untreated.

## Symptoms and risk profile

The condition is most common in young overweight women but can affect others.

- Headache, pulsatile tinnitus, and transient visual obscurations
- Blurred vision and enlarged blind spots from swollen optic discs
- Occasional sixth nerve palsy causing double vision
- Normal brain imaging but raised opening pressure on lumbar puncture

## Treatment

Management aims to protect vision and reduce pressure.

- Weight loss and acetazolamide as first-line measures
- Regular visual field and optic nerve monitoring
- Optic nerve sheath fenestration or CSF shunting in progressive cases
- Careful review of medications that may contribute, such as tetracyclines or vitamin A derivatives