To Get Diagnosis
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MRI/ CT scans to rule out other problems.
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Lumbar Puncture sometimes called Spinal tap to check Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF). Opening pressure for diagnoses is above 25 for adults and 20 for children.
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Vision Field Test to check for Papilledema. The swelling of the optic nerve.
After Diagnoses
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Lumbar Puncture/ Spinal Tap.
The lumbar Pressure is to relieve excess spinal fluid. They will take it away slowly so that no bad side effects happen by taking too much at a time. Normal pressure should be below 16. Make sure to request the spinal tap/ lumbar puncture be done under X-Ray, to avoid complications. Such as missing, hitting the spinal column, going to deep. If possible avoid Emergency situation spinal taps. If its in an emergency situation, it is the ER doctor that will preform the spinal tap, and they are not as practiced and usually do not do it under X-ray.
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Shunt.
Shunting has been in practice for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) for many years. The use of a shunt in patients with IIH is determined later when lifestyle changes and oral medication have not fully relieved the patient’s symptoms. There are multiple kinds of shunts and it depends on what your doctor uses and what insurances will cover. They say that a shunt with an adjustable valve usually works the best.
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Venous Sinus Stent
A Stent is an alternative choice to the Shunt if your doctor agrees you are a candidate to use one. A venous stent is placed when the blood vessels in the sinus are smaller which could be the cause of why the CSF is building up. If this is the case, you are a candidate to use a stent instead of a shunt.
Procedures :
Shunt
Venous Sinus Stent
Vision Field Test
Oral Medication:
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Glaucoma drugs.
Acetazolamide (Diamox), This medication may reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Possible Side Effects include stomach upset, fatigue, tingling of fingers, toes and mouth, and kidney stones.
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Diuretics.
If acetazolamide alone isn't effective, it's sometimes combined with furosemide (Lasix), a potent diuretic that reduces fluid retention by increasing urine output. Side Effects can include low sodium, Dizziness,Headaches, Dehydration and Muscle cramps.
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Migraine medications.
Medications usually prescribed to relieve migraines can sometimes ease the severe headaches that often accompany pseudotumor cerebri.
Weight Loss :
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Diet and Exercise