Papilledema

Papilledema is swelling of the optic disc caused by an increase in intracranial pressure of the brain. This can occur suddenly within a couple of hours or up to a couple of weeks. Signs of papilledema can be sign by an optometrist through an opthalmoscope. Symptoms are vision loss that starts with just a blind spot a first but will then increase to total blindness if not treated. The patient may also have headaches, nausea, and vomitting. An increase in intracranial pressure can be caused by many things. A brain tumor, a blood clot in the venous sagittal sinus, or a hemoorrage are all possible causes that involved the brain. Chiari malformation of the brain also cause an increase in itracranial pressure. This is when the cerebellar tonsils are pushed through that foramen magnum at the base of the skull. Also, neurological syndrome such as Guillian Barre' and Foster Kennedy syndrome can be a cause for papilledema. Treatment for papilledema varies depending on the cause.