PCT - what is it?

  : : I had a spinal tap performed yesterday - the orders from my neurologist read "Rule out pseudotumor cerbri."  What exactly IS pseudotumor cerbri?  I understand it can cause headaches, which I have daily, and it causes elevated spinal pressure, which I also have...but I don't know what it is, nor could I find an answer in the archive.  Could you please explain to me what PCT is, and isn't?
  : : Thank you,
  : : Kelly
  : =
  : Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is elevation of intracranial pressure with no structural abnormality of the brain. You'll also see reference in the neurologic literature to IIH (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) or BIH (benign intracranial hypertension).
  : What does that mean? It means there is no tumor or other mass to explain why the pressure is up. There is no obstruction of the normal flow of fluid (CSF) around the brain which could cause hydrocephalus. There is no increase in the size of the ventricles (fluid-filled cavities in the brain), another sign of hydrocephalus. That is, PTC is NOT a disorder of too much fluid (hydrocephalus), just that the pressure is too high.
  : To make the diagnosis, the pressure must be measured - the simplest safest way is a spinal tap. Usually the pressure must be over 230mm, I have personally seen over 550mm. The MRI or CT must be normal, with NO mass and NO increase in the size of the ventricles (sometimes the ventricles actually may appear small).
  : Symptoms usually include headaches which change with position of the head.
  : The long term worry is that vision may become impaired, as the optic nerve is squeezed and damaged with the persistent pressure.
  : Treatment is aimed at lowering the pressure, usually with diuretics such as Diamox (acetazolamide). With successful treatment, vision is preserved.
  : Who gets it? Mostly youngish women, often overweight. Sometimes it happens in pregnancy, or with use of certain medications (for example, tetracycline). Sometimes there is no identifiable risk factor.
  : I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
  
  Thank you!  It did indeed help.  I had MRIs, and EEG, no CT scans yet.  MRI was clear, and EEG was normal.  My spinal pressure was 250 mm.  We're waiting on tests of the spinal fluid and extensive blood tests now.  Thank you for your response.
  Kelly
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Thanks for the update. If you have had a MRI scan then a CT scan is not required. Good luck