A Case of Pseudotumor Cerebri Associated with Lithium Use

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.