Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.
Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.
Papilledema is swelling of the optic nerve in the back of the eye, a symptom that may indicate a serious problem. Papilledema occurs when there is an increase in the intracranial pressure, which causes the optic nerve to swell. It may appear in one or both eyes alongside other symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and ringing- sound in the ears. Increased intracranial pressure may occur due to brain mass, haemorrhage, infection, blockage of CSF or blood drainage, skull abnormalities, spinal cord lesions and severe hypertension. Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and eye examination. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include a low salt diet, medications such as acetazolamide, furosemide, and topiramate, and surgery.
27 people with Papilledema are on Alike.
As papilledema occurs due to an increase in pressure inside the brain, its symptoms may include: - Headaches - Nausea - Vomiting - Visual disturbances, including double vision - A ringing sound in the ears, which is often pulse-like
Diagnosis of papilledema includes a complete physical examination of the eyes and nervous system. Usually, the exam includes an ophthalmoscope, an instrument resembling a pen with a lighted wheel at the tip. With the ophthalmoscope, the doctor inspects the back portion of the eye through the pupil. They may use drops to dilate the pupil and make it easier to check. The appearance of the eye plays a vital role in the diagnosis of papilledema. A doctor will assess the optic disc for any abnormalities, such as being out of position or appearing more blurred than normal. These changes can indicate that the optic nerve is swollen. Tests, including visual accuracy assessments, can also reveal changes in color vision, loss of vision, or double vision. If the doctor detects signs of papilledema, they will order brain imaging scans, which may include MRI or CT scans. Blood tests and an analysis of CSF from the spinal canal may also be necessary.
The treatment options for papilledema will depend on the cause of this condition and may include: weight loss, a low salt diet, and medications, such as acetazolamide, furosemide, or topiramate.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.
© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc