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01-03-2010 | Original Paper

Clinical spectrum of the pseudotumor cerebri complex in children

Authors: Daniel Tibussek, Dominik T. Schneider, Nicola Vandemeulebroecke, Bernd Turowski, Martina Messing-Juenger, Peter H. G. M. Willems, Ertan Mayatepek, Felix Distelmaier

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Our aim was to improve diagnosis and management of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC; also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension) in children.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of epidemiology, diagnostic work-up, therapy, and clinical follow-up in 53 consecutive patients.

Results

We identified several important aspects to be considered in the management of these children. First, patients may present without obvious symptoms at diagnosis. Second, bilateral papilledema might not or not yet be present in symptomatic patients. Third, measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure may not always be reliable due to drugs used for sedation, which may alter intracranial pressure. Fourth, normal CSF pressure values in childhood are not well established and diagnosis might even be justified if pressure is <20 cm H₂O. Fifth, associated conditions are frequent (at least in our cohort); however, in most cases, a causative link cannot be proven. Finally, disease relapse is a serious problem (20% in our group), which stresses the importance of standardized follow-up programs.

Conclusions

PTC constitutes an important and possibly underrecognized disorder in children and adolescents. Considering the high percentage of possibly associated conditions in our study, a detailed diagnostic work-up is crucial to identify treatable underlying conditions.

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Title: Clinical spectrum of the pseudotumor cerebri complex in children
Authors: Daniel Tibussek
Dominik T. Schneider
Nicola Vandemeulebroecke
Bernd Turowski
Martina Messing-Juenger
Peter H. G. M. Willems
Ertan Mayatepek
Felix Distelmaier
Publication date: 01-03-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-009-1018-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clinical spectrum of the pseudotumor cerebri complex in children

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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