A 46-year-old member asked:
Is papilledema a serious condition?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tim Conradanswered
Ophthalmology 36 years experience
Yes: Papilledema means a swollen optic nerve from increased intracranial pressure. The increased pressure must be investigated and treated. Otherwise the optic nerve may become damaged and you will become blind. Also the cause of the increased pressure could be life-threatening as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Howard Pomeranzanswered
Ophthalmology 30 years experience
Papilledema : Yes. Papilledema implies that the spinal fluid pressure in the brain is too high. A cause needs to be identified. An MRI scan of the brain is usually performed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 46-year-old member asked:
How serious is papilledema?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Can be: But if someone found it in your eyes, they should be working it up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Is papilledema serious?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: Papilledema is the swelling of one's optic nerves due to increased intracranial pressure (icp). The cause of the increased icp must be investigated, usually with brain imaging and possibly with a lumbar puncture. There are also many causes of optic nerve swelling that are not due to increased icp (hence they are not called papilledema). Optic nerve swelling can cause loss of vision over time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 22, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.