pseudotumor cerebri

[Spike54]

Daughter-in-law recently diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri.  Had lumbar punction again today and the pressure was at 44-48.  She was exposed to concentrated odor of moth balls several weeks ago and became ill and has continued to have problems and now has turned into this result.  Could the moth ball exposure be the cause of the pseudotumor cerebri?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How is your daughter-in-law? Pseudotumor cerebri is a process affecting the brain that appears to be a tumor. It indeed occurs more frequently in women especially in premenopausal women. It is often reversible and may be caused by a variety of causes such as certain medicines and conditions like anemia from iron deficiency, being overweight or obese, kidney failure, thyroid dysfunction and even nutritional deficiencies.  There are not enough studies showing that moth balls are considered as an underlying cause. Take care and best regards.

[msgilmore]

I too have been diagnosed with this disease.  I have been fighting this disease for approximately 6 years and I have always be told it is an "Idiosyncrasy".  This term truly means they have no idea why this happens.  

The only known variables were linked to clinical seriods (prednizone) or numerous acne medications.  I was told this disease typically affects middle-aged overweight women.  

It is known that more people are walking around with this problem then they are aware of and only experience annoying symptoms.  It is not until something aggravates it does it began to pose a problem.  

To answer you question, the moth ball incident most likely didn't cause it just flared up an already underlining problem.