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Papilledema is inflammation of the optic nerves caused by the skull pressing on them. It can cause vision problems and is often a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Treatment involves addressing the underlying issue causing the inflammation.
Papilledema is a condition in which the optic nerves become inflamed due to the skull pressing on them. The optic nerves connect the brain tissue with the retinas, which are the tissue further back than the eyes. These nerves are also responsible for carrying messages between the brain and the eyes. Optic nerve inflammation can occur due to other causes and would be classified as a different condition. It is only considered papilloedema if the inflammation is due to the skull pressing on the nerves.
When the optic nerves become inflamed, they can cause vision problems, such as double vision, blurriness, or brief flashes of gray. People with this condition may also experience vomiting combined with intense headaches. While the symptoms themselves may not seem all that dangerous to an individual, they can be indicative of a more serious underlying condition.
One of the most common causes of the condition is a brain tumor applying force to the skull. Swelling can also be the result of direct trauma to the skull or ruptured blood vessels surrounding the brain. Meningitis, a bacterial infection that can affect the brain, can also produce the cranial pressure that leads to papilledema.
In rare cases, papilledema can also be caused by unrelated problems with the brain that cause fluid to build up in the skull. The condition may be due to high blood pressure, which causes blood vessels near the optic nerves to swell. It can also be due to fluctuations in hormone levels in women, such as pregnancy or hormonal forms of birth control.
A doctor can diagnose the condition by looking into a patient’s eyes with an ophthalmoscope, which is a mirrored instrument with a light. The ophthalmoscope allows the doctor to examine the optic nerves to determine if they appear swollen or have red spots that indicate bleeding. A doctor may also screen you for vision to determine if your vision has started to be impaired.
Papilledema is usually treated by addressing the underlying medical issue that is causing the optic nerve inflammation. Problems can be treated surgically or with drugs to reduce cranial pressure. Once the underlying problem has been resolved, the optic nerves will usually return to their normal size within eight weeks. If the condition isn’t treated within a short period of time, the optic nerves can become so swollen that they don’t get enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow can cause permanent damage to the optic nerves and can lead to total vision loss.
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