A 39-year-old member asked:

Is papilledema serious?

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Scartozzi
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.
Dr. Howard Pomeranz
Ophthalmology 30 years experience
Papilledema: Papilledema signifies a problem with spinal fluid pressure in the brain and needs immediate medical attention.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 46-year-old member asked:

How serious is papilledema?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Chang
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.
A 46-year-old member asked:

What is papilledema?

3 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Scartozzi
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Optic nerve swelling: Due to increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema can cause permanent damage to one's vision if the intracranial pressure is not lowered to a normal level.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:

Is papilledema a serious condition?

2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tim Conrad
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.

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Are IIH and papilledema the same or not?
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What is the treatment for papilledema ?
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Can you please tell me how papilledema & glaucoma differ?
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Does my son need repetitive spinal taps to check his papilledema?
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Last updated Jul 5, 2017

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