What is Papilledema?  What is the treatment for Papilledema?

Papilledema is the swelling of both optic nerves.  This is cause by the increase in intracranial pressure (CSF pressure, cerebral spinal fluid.)  Patients will typically experience vision fluctuations, headaches, double vision, ringing in ears (tinnitus), neck pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.  This is a very serious condition that can be caused by:   brain tumors, hydrocephalus, brain bleed or hemorrhage (hematomas or subarachnoid hemorrhage) meningitis, encephalitis, arteriovenous malformations, pseudotumor cerebri  and brain abscess.  This condition is considered an emergency and a CAT scan of the head and lumbar puncture should be done. 

Pseudotumor cerebri is a common cause of papilledema in young overweight females.  Pseudotumor cerebri can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, tetracycline, vitamin A and contraceptives.  This is still an emergent condition and requires a complete systemic workup and head MRI or CAT scan.

Treatment

     Oral medications

     Treat underlining cause