Pseudotumor cerebri (PC), also known as idiopathic intracranial
hypertension, is characterized by increased intracranial pressure in
the presence of normal brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Papilledema, headache and visual loss are frequently observed clinical
signs and symptoms. Although the pathogenesis of pseudotumor cerebri
is not known exactly, different risk factors have been identified. Drugs
such as growth hormone, tetracycline and retinoic acid have been
reported to be associated with PC. Additionally, in the literature, there
are case reports indicating the development of PC associated with lithium
use. The aim of this case report is to discuss a 26-year-old patient who
was started on lithium with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and presented
to the emergency service with complaints of headache and visual loss
4 months after the initiation of treatment and was diagnosed with PC
associated with lithium use. It is important to be aware of the risk of
PC development in patients treated with lithium and to rapidly evaluate
patients in this respect in case of clinical symptoms such as headache and
vision problems because of the risk of permanent vision loss.
Keywords: Intracranial Hypertension, Lithium, Papilledema,
Pseudotumor Cerebri