Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is a neurological disorder in which the pressure that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (intracranial pressure) is higher than normal, but there is no inflammation, infection, tumor, or other conditions that can explain this increase. This condition is more prevalent in pregnant women and women of childbearing age with excess body weight or obesity. The exact etiology has yet to be ascertained although it is likely related to a malfunction in the regulation of CSF. The early symptoms are usually chronic headaches, and changes in vision, for example, blurring, diplopia or temporary loss of vision, pulsating tinnitus, and increased intracranial pressure papilledema. If left untreated may lead to permanent blindness. Diagnostics consists of clinical examination and assessment, brain imaging to rule in and out other pathological possibilities, and obtaining CSF pressure by lumbar puncture. Management involves a reduction of intracranial pressure, for which some patients may be recommended to lose weight, take medications, particularly acetazolamide, undertake optic nerve sheath fenestration, or spinal fluid shunt should be used if the condition becomes extreme.

The Pseudotumor Cerebri Market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The pseudotumor cerebri market is majorly driven by increased incidences of obesity, which is a major cause of pseudotumor cerebri especially among women of childbearing age. Rising awareness and enhancing diagnostic solutions like imaging solutions and lumbar puncture solutions are the factors that drive the pseudotumor cerebri market. The growth of the market is due to the increasing research of new treatment methods, which may include minimal invasions, such as surgical operations and successful medication therapeutics. Furthermore, increased efforts by the governments to combat neurological disorders, and research on the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions, which continue to extend the market potential for the management of this disorder.

• In the diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri, the neuroimaging segment has the highest market share in the year 2023. This dominance is due to high-tech imaging, MRI, and CT, which are required to rule out other causes of raised ICP, including tumors or altered CNS morphology, although rarely identified. Neuroimaging is an important component in diagnostics and this technique is common due to its lack of invasiveness, accuracy, and reliability as compared to other methods making it doctors’ choice. While the growth of the market in the near future is relatively conservative, the fundoscopy segment is likely to show rapid expansion. This growth is attributable to the rising incidence of early recognition of pseudotumor cerebri, particularly papilledema, and the use of ophthalmic imaging, including OCT. These tools improve diagnostic precision and aid in early detection of the ailment as early treatment is critical to avoid vision loss. Also, advances in innovative and affordable fundoscopy technology have enriched product offerings in both developed and emerging markets.
• Based on treatment, the medication segment has the highest market share in the treatment of pseudotumor cerebri. The first-choice drugs are acetazolamide and topiramate; they are most commonly used because they help reduce CSF formation and actual intracranial pressure. It is non-invasive, cheaper, and more easily accessible to the patient and physician than other forms of treatment, especially in cases of mild to moderate severity of the illness. However, the segment covering venous sinus stenting is expected to have great potential for growth in the future. This was attributed to the rising confirmation of the therapeutic effects in the management of pseudotumor cerebri related to venous sinus stenosis, the most prevalent cause. The approach of venous sinus stenting is less invasive and provides a long-term outcome directly targeting the pathophysiologic cause with evidenced effective outcomes in controlling the intracranial pressure and symptomatic improvement.
• Based on the end-user, the hospital segment accounts for the highest market share in the diagnosis as well as in the treatment of Pseudotumor Cerebri. Hospitals are the first-line healthcare facilities with easy ability to access diagnostic equipment including neuroimaging facilities and lumbar puncture and to carry out surgical processes such as shunting or venous sinus stenting. Also, severe types of diseases are treated in hospitals with various specialists such as neurologists, ophthalmologists, and even surgeons leading to huge demand for this segment. However, the clinics segment is anticipated to expand in the future due to numerous factors such as enhanced access to outpatient clinics specialized in treating neurological and ophthalmological conditions.
• For a better understanding of the market adoption of Pseudotumor Cerebri is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in regions such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Asia-Pacific region will have the highest future growth due to factors such as rising obesity rates, escalating healthcare expenditure, improving disease awareness, and the growing importance of medical tourism. Healthcare expansion and the largely untapped markets in APAC countries such as China, India, and Japan make APAC an important growth market.
• Some of the major players operating in the market include McKesson Corporation, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sanofi, Polpharma, Pfizer Inc., Sandoz AG, Viatris Inc., Medtronic Plc., SOPHYSA, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.