Pseudotumor cerebri is most often seen in overweight women between the ages of 20 and 50. The most common symptom of pseudotumor cerebri is headache. The headache may be described as constant, severe and throbbing. Temporary visual blurring or loss may occur. This usually lasts less than 30 seconds and may occur in one eye or both.
Nausea is common, vomiting less so.
The patient may experience a swishing noise in the ear. Pain behind the eyes and double vision are less often seen. Without treatment, pseudotumor cerebri may progress to complete irreversible blindness. As always, a careful history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosis. MRI scanning is usually normal.