Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome: From Childhood to Adulthood Risk Factors and Clinical Presentation

Abstract

Introduction: Although considered uncommon, pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTC) is a significant cause of headache among children and adults. However, the presenting symptoms may be different among diverse age groups. In the present study, we compared the risk factors and clinical presentation of PTC across life—from childhood to adulthood. Methods: A retrospective survey of PTC patients aged 7 years or older between 2011 and 2013 was carried out. Pooled analyses were performed comparing characteristics from our data with those of published data subdivided into 3 age groups: pre-young children, adolescents, and adults. Results: Our cohort consisted of 72 patients: 32 children (10 pre-young children, 22 adolescents) and 40 adults. Within the pre-young children age group: 20% were females versus 82% in the adolescent age group and 85% of the adult age group. Obesity was found in 10% of the young children group, 64% of the adolescents, and 80% of the adults. Headache was reported in 70% young children, 82% adolescents, and 83% adults. Pooled analysis of 1499 patients showed that young children with PTC tend to complain less about headache compared with older ones. Vomiting and visual impairment were most common among adolescents, and dizziness and tinnitus were most common in adults. Conclusion: PTC has different risk factors and clinical presentation throughout life. In young children, there is no gender preference and most patients are not obese. Risk factors in adolescents resemble those of adults.

Neuroimaging Features of Intracranial Hypertension in Pediatric Patients With New-Onset Idiopathic Seizures, a Comparison With Patients with Confirmed Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Preliminary Study

“…The clinical features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children are varied and may include headaches (most common), vomiting, visual disturbance (including blurry vision, diplopia, and vision loss), dizziness, and pulsatile tinnitus. 7 In a study of children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Youroukos et al 8 described several neurologic deficits aside from papilledema and 6th cranial nerve palsies, such as seizures, hemiparesis, and 3rd, 7th, 9th, and 12th cranial nerve palsy. Multiple studies showed association of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with seizures in pediatric and adult patients.…”

Diagnosing Pseudotumor Cerebri: An Age-based Approach

“…Comparison of this data set with the pooled literature analysis showed only minor differences in numbers. [1] COMMENTARY. The diagnostic criteria for IIH have evolved.…”

Multidomain Cognitive Impairment in Children With Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome

“…The prognosis for patients with PTCS is excellent with prompt and suitable treatment. In particular, prompt treatment can avert blindness by preventing optic nerve atrophy secondary to continuous intracranial hypertension(2).…”