Pediatric pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension).

This review focuses on the features of pseudotumor cerebri in the pediatric age group. There is no sex predilection in children, and obesity does not appear to be an important factor. Infants and young children may present with irritability, apathy, or somnolence, rather than headache. Dizziness and ataxia may also occur. Papilledema is infrequently noted in pediatric patients if the fontanelles are open or the sutures are split. Pre-adolescents appear more likely than adults or adolescents to have manifestations of their pseudotumor cerebri other than headache and papilledema, including lateral rectus pareses, vertical strabismus, facial paresis, back and neck pain. Among the etiologies that are particularly pertinent to children are tetracycline therapy, malnutrition or renutrition, and the correction of hypothyroidism. Children with pseudotumor cerebri are at risk for visual loss and their visual function must be closely monitored. Surgical intervention is imperative when vision is threatened.