Living with Pseudotumor Cerebri: My Journey and the Role of Cannabis
Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition where the pressure inside the skull increases without an obvious reason, mimicking the symptoms of a brain tumor. For many, including myself, the road to managing this condition is complex and life-altering. As a woman diagnosed with this disorder, I’ve experienced its debilitating effects firsthand—severe headaches, vision changes, and a constant battle with the unpredictable symptoms it brings. My diagnosis changed the course of my life, but it also brought me to a powerful realization about the healing potential of cannabis.
I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri at the age of 24. At that time, my world was flipped upside down. The intense pressure inside my skull left me with blinding headaches, frequent bouts of nausea, and even temporary vision problems and health such as (Papilledema -is swelling of your optic nerve, which connects the eye and brain. This swelling is a reaction to a buildup of pressure in or around your brain?that may have many causes).Doctors struggled to manage my symptoms with conventional medication, and for a while, surgery was considered. Despite the medical intervention, my quality of life was declining, and I was left searching for a solution that could give me back a sense of control over my body and my health.
Enter cannabis. My relationship with cannabis began much earlier in my life, as I struggled with depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. However, after my diagnosis with pseudotumor cerebri, I explored cannabis more deeply for its medicinal properties. Discovering Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) became a game-changer for me. Cannabis not only helped alleviate the physical symptoms like headaches and nausea, but it also provided mental relief in ways that prescription medications couldn’t. I regained my sense of self, my ability to function day-to-day, and most importantly, my vision of a life not ruled by my condition.
