Papilledema is a condition whereby the optic disc, the area where the nerve that goes to your brain connects to your eye, swells following increased intracranial pressure (increased pressure in or around the brain). This condition must be distinguished from optic disc swelling from other causes simply referred to as “optic disc oedema”. Often this condition is a warning sign of a more serious medical condition such as CNS inflammation, brain tumours, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pressure around the brain with no detectable cause). If papilledema is left untreated it can lead to complete vision loss.
Individuals may not have any symptoms of papilledema in the early stages. Individuals most commonly present with headache due to the increased pressure in the brain, this is usually worse in the morning. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms associated with increased pressure, typically following acute (sudden, fast) onset of pressure. When the papilledema is worsening individuals may notice short periods (lasting only seconds) of losing vision
Each of these symptoms can cause rapid decline in an individuals’ central vision.
Papilledema is causes by increased pressure on and around the brain. The increased intracranial pressure can have any number of causes, these can include;
Papilledema is diagnosed through a number of tests which are important for providing the correct diagnosis. This can include taking clinical tests and medical history.
Ophthalmologists may perform imaging tests, such as fundoscopy, which is a pain-free imaging technique that allows for an image of the back of the eye including to optic nerve to be taken. Fundoscopy images are useful in identifying any swelling of the optic disc. These imagine methods also allow the doctor to rule out alternative causes of visual impairment.
Papilledema is only diagnosed when there is swelling of the optic disc observed, in addition to an increase in intracranial pressure (pressure on the brain). Intracranial pressure is assessed using a lumbar puncture (procedure where fluid is taken from the spine).
It is essential that the lumbar puncture be carried out so that papilledema can be distinguished from other possible conditions that may results in swelling of the optic disc such as;
In order to effectively treat papilledema, the primary cause of the increased intracranial pressure must first be addressed. If a brain tumour or abscess is identified, the primary therapeutic course of action should be directed towards that. If medications are thought to be causative the first line of treatment is to discontinue that medication.
There are a number of medications that can be administered to help to reduce intracranial pressure by helping to increase cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) absorption or reduction of CSP production. In some cases steroids can be used to decrease intracranial pressure but these need to be observed with caution as they have also been indicated in causing elevated pressure.
As well as medicinal intervention there are a number of surgical interventions that are used to reduce intracranial pressure. Surgical intervention is the first port of call if there is a mass detected and causative of elevated pressure. Two surgical techniques which result in the implant of shunts, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) and lumboperitoneal (LP), are effective in aiding the removal of excess fluid on the brain and help to return intracranial pressure to within normal levels.
No matter what level of vision a person may have, it is important to look after the eyes. To find out more about what can be done to take care of the eyes on a daily basis, please visit our Tips for Good Eye Health.
For further information, please contact the Research Department on 01 6789004 or email research@fightingblindness.ie.
Researchers and clinicians are continually seeking more effective approaches to treat papilledema. Research areas regarding papilledema are focusing on optimising imaging techniques to accurately diagnose papilledema cases.
A clinical trial that is currently underway is investigating the potential of ultrasound imaging my primary care doctors as a way of identifying papilledema without the need for an ophthalmic referral. The aim is to reduce the timeframe in clinic that will lead to an accurate diagnosis. This trial can be viewed in full on the clinical trials website.
Information about other clinical trials that are on-going and completed can be found on the clinical trials website and can be searched by both condition and location.
Receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming for anyone, but this is not a journey that you have to make alone. There are many groups and resources available to provide support for people living with papilledema.
Fighting Blindness offers a free and confidential counselling service (Insight Counselling). For further information please contact insight@fightingblindness.ie or call 01 6746496.
A mindfulness group is also available on every Wednesday at the Fighting Blindness office at 11am.
For technology support and guidance, the Dublin-based Technology Exchange Club meets every Monday at the Fighting Blindness office at 11am. Another Technology Exchange Club, based in Cork, meet every Saturday in the Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork City at 11am. The Cork-based club do not meet on Bank Holiday weekends or on the second Saturday of the month. For further information please contact insight@fightingblindness.ie or call 01 6746496.
Féach provides support for parents of children living with sight loss in Ireland.
ChildVision is the national education centre for children with sight loss in Ireland.
NCBI (National Council for the Blind in Ireland) provides support and services for people living with sight loss in Ireland.
Irish Guide Dogs for the blind helps individuals and their families to achieve improved mobility and independence.