INTRODUCTION: Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition characterized by raised 
intracranial pressure, normal CSF contents, and normal brain with normal or 
small ventricles on imaging studies. It affects predominantly obese women of 
childbearing age; however, its incidence seems to be increasing among adolescent 
and children. While among older children the clinical picture is similar to that 
of adults, younger children present demographic and clinical peculiarities. 
Different diagnostic criteria for adults and pre-pubertal children have been 
proposed. Etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, particular concerning the 
role of obstruction to venous outflow.
METHODS: An extensive literature review concerning all the aspects of 
pseudotumor cerebri has been performed, both among adults and pre-pubertal 
children.
CONCLUSION: Pseudotumor cerebri is an avoidable cause of visual loss, both in 
adults and children. Few diagnostic measures are usually sufficient to determine 
the correct diagnosis. Since pseudotumor cerebri is a diagnosis of exclusion, 
the differential diagnosis work out is of special importance. Modern 
neuroimaging techniques, especially magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic 
resonance venography may clarify the role of obstruction to venous outflow in 
each case. Various therapeutic options are available: medical, surgical, and 
endovascular procedures may be used to prevent irreversible visual loss. 
Treatment is usually effective, and most patients will experience complete 
resolution of symptoms without persistent deficits.