Is optic disc edema the same as papilledema?

Is optic disc edema the same as papilledema?

Optic disc edema refers to swelling of the nerve fiber layer at the optic nerve head due to an optic neuropathy of any etiology (inflammatory, infiltrative, compressive, etc.) whereas the term papilledema refers to optic disc edema caused by raised intracranial pressure.

Is optic nerve edema an emergency?

Bilateral optic nerve edema is a medical emergency. The onset and severity of vision loss and symptoms are important clues to consider. Rapid onset is characteristic of ischemic optic neuropathy, inflammatory and traumatic causes, and optic neuritis.

Can disc edema be cured?

If tests reveal a medical problem, treating it should cure papilledema as well. For instance, you might need antibiotics for a brain infection, surgery to drain an abscess or remove a tumor, or medicine to dissolve a blood clot. Your doctor may be able to switch a problem medication.

How is Pseudopapilledema diagnosed?

Pseudopapilledema may be unilateral or bilateral, but almost all cases of papilledema are bilateral. An extensive workup is usually unnecessary, and an experienced general ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist can correctly diagnose pseudopapilledema via an ophthalmoscopic examination.

How long does it take for optic nerve swelling to go down?

The underlying cause isn’t completely understood, but experts believe that a viral infection may trigger the immune system to attack the optic nerve as if it were a foreign invader. Loss of vision in optic neuritis commonly reaches its maximum effect within a few days and starts improving within 4 to 12 weeks.

What causes disc edema?

Optic disc edema (ie, papilledema) due to increased ICP can be caused by many disease processes including intracranial space occupying lesions, CSF producing tumors, obstructions of the arachnoid villi, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Is fluid behind the eye serious?

What to know about central serous retinopathy. Central serous retinopathy is a medical condition where fluid builds up behind the retina in the eye. It can cause sudden or gradual vision loss as the central retina detaches.

Can an eye doctor see optic neuritis?

An eye doctor, either an ophthalmologist or optometrist, can diagnose optic neuritis. They can perform tests to check color vision, how eyes respond to light, and how well the eye can see detail, such as letters in an eye chart.

What are the different types of optic disc edema?

Many terms have been used to describe optic disc edema including swollen optic disc, disc edema, papilledema, papillitis, choked disc, and elevated optic nerve. The broadest terms to describe this phenomenon are optic disc edema and swollen optic disc, whereas the other terms imply the cause of the optic disc swelling.

Can a fundoscopic exam detect optic disc edema?

Fundoscopic exam in optic disc swelling will demonstrate various findings based on the severity and duration of the optic disc swelling but in general the appearance alone of the optic disc edema is not usually specific enough to make an etiologic diagnosis.

What kind of physical exam is needed for optic disc swelling?

Physical examination. Fundoscopic exam in optic disc swelling will demonstrate various findings based on the severity and duration of the optic disc swelling but in general the appearance alone of the optic disc edema is not usually specific enough to make an etiologic diagnosis.

What causes the swelling of the optic disc?

Although the clinical presentation in a young overweight female was consistent with IIH, this diagnosis should not be made before ruling out other causes of bilateral optic disc swelling, including mass lesions of the brain; venous sinus thrombosis; and inflammatory, infiltrative, and infectious causes.

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