When the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes swollen as a result of increasing skull pressure, it is called papilledema. Papilledema can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires urgent medical attention. It can affect the flow of blood and fluid drainage in the eye, resulting in vision problems and other symptoms.
There are a variety of factors that can increase pressure on the brain and optic nerve, including:
Trauma or injury to the head
Tumor or abscess of the brain
Hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain
An infection or inflammation of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis
The buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain is called hydrocephalus
Young women with obesity are more likely to suffer from idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which is an unknown cause of intracranial pressure.
Hypertension or hypertensive crisis
Low red blood cell count or anemia
Medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, and lithium may cause these side effects
Papilledema is characterized by changes in vision, such as:
Vision blurred or doubled
Light flashes or flickers
Peripheral or side vision loss
Vision loss due to color
In the dark, it is difficult to see
Papilledema may also cause the following symptoms:
A headache, especially in the morning or when posture changes
Vomiting and nausea
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ears
Problems with balance or dizziness
Pain in the neck or shoulders
Problems with memory or concentration
In order to diagnose papilledema, a doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about symptoms and medical history. An ophthalmoscope will be used to check for signs of optic nerve swelling, such as:
Blurred or elevated optic discs
Blood vessels that are dilated or tortuous
Bleeding spots or hemorrhages
Damaged nerve fibers or cotton wool spots
Also, the doctor may order some tests to measure the pressure inside the eye (tonometry) and in the brain (lumbar puncture or spinal tap). To determine the cause of papilledema, the doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment of papilledema depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. The main goal of treatment is to lower the pressure on the brain and optic nerve, and to prevent or reverse any vision loss.
CSF production or drainage can be reduced or increased by medications such as diuretics, acetazolamide, or corticosteroids
People with IIH and obesity should lose weight and eat a low sodium diet
Diverting excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body through surgery, such as shunting
Fenestration of the optic nerve sheath, which involves making small cuts to relieve pressure on the nerve
Treatment of the underlying condition, such as antibiotics for infection, antihypertensives for high blood pressure, or chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
The following steps may help reduce the risk or severity of papilledema, but it is not always preventable:
Keeping your head safe from injury or trauma
Keeping a healthy weight and blood pressure
Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
Reporting any side effects of medications according to the doctor's instructions
If you experience any symptoms of papilledema or increased intracranial pressure, seek medical attention as soon as possible
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of papilledema and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Papilledema can affect the vision and quality of life of the affected person. Papilledema can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment, reducing complications.
