Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC), also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable tumor or other cause.
Symptoms: 1. Headaches (severe, frequent) 2. Vision changes (double vision, blurred vision) 3. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) 4. Hearing loss 5. Dizziness 6. Nausea and vomiting 7. Papilledema (swelling of optic disc)
Causes and risk factors: 1. Obesity 2. Female gender (especially childbearing age) 3. Hormonal changes 4. Certain medications (e.g., tetracyclines, vitamin A derivatives) 5. Sleep apnea 6. Head trauma
Diagnosis: 1. Lumbar puncture (LP) to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure 2. Imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) to rule out other causes 3. MR venogram or CT venogram of the head can be done to rule out a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is done to measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid unless something is seen on the MRI or CT scan indicating a spinal tap is not safe procedure.
4. Optic Nerve evaluation for papilledema
Treatment: 1. Weight loss and lifestyle modifications 2. Medications: - Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide) - Corticosteroids - Diuretics 3. Lumbar punctures (therapeutic) 4. Shunting procedures (in severe cases)
Complications: 1. Vision loss 2. Hearing loss 3. Chronic headaches 4. Cognitive impairment 5. Depression and anxiety
Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms encountered in clinical practice, often requiring careful evaluation to determine their underlying causes. Visual symptoms often accompany vertigo and dizziness, and understanding that relationship is necessary.
Head trauma, particularly repetitive or severe injuries, has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) and other Neurodegenerative disorders.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation has been observed to have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits for multiple disorders, including ocular pain
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, leading to ventricular enlargement.