Risk Factors Linked To Pseudotumor Cerebri

Addison's Disease

Addison's disease, an autoimmune condition, develops when the body's adrenal glands, located on the kidneys, fail to produce sufficient cortisol and aldosterone. The condition occurs in approximately one out of every 100,000 individuals in the United States, and it is typically diagnosed in individuals between thirty and fifty years old. Symptoms of Addison's disease include depression, menstrual irregularities, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Some patients may experience low blood pressure and low blood glucose as well. Blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans aid in the diagnosis of Addison's disease. Treatment includes hydrocortisone pills to replace cortisol in the body, and patients are also given hormones that replace the ones the adrenal glands normally produce. Since Addison's disease can increase a patient's risk of pseudotumor cerebri, patients should be aware of the symptoms of both conditions, and any concerns should be mentioned to their healthcare providers.