Beware, Papyedema Can Be a Sign of Serious Disease

Papyedema is swelling that occurs in the optic nerve of the eye. This condition is often a sign of a serious illness that needs immediate treatment. Papyedema generally causes vision problems. Not infrequently, additional symptoms also appear in the form of headaches and nausea. Papyedema is a condition that should not be underestimated, because it can indicate a serious illness, such as meningitis or a brain tumor.

Recognize the symptoms of Papyedema

Visual impairment caused by papyedema can be blurred, shaded, or even blindness in one or both eyes. The duration of the disorder varies, it can only last a few seconds or a few minutes, but it can also occur permanently. In addition to visual impairment, swelling of the optic nerve can also cause the following additional symptoms:

• Pain in one or both eyes
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• More sensitive to light (glare)
• Visual impairment becomes more severe when coughing or straining
• Very sleepy or very tired
• Buzzing or noise appearing in the ear without a clear sound source

If you feel the symptoms above, immediately consult a ophthalmologist to get an examination and treatment.

What are the causes of papyedema?

Papyedema is caused by an increase in pressure inside the head. Pressure inside the head can increase due to several things, including:

• Cerebrospinal fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus)
• Pus buildup in the brain (brain abscess)
• Swelling of the brain
• Inflammation of the protective membrane of the brain (meningitis)
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Severe head injury
• Bleeding in the brain
• High blood pressure
• Brain tumor

However, sometimes papyedema can also appear without the presence of certain diseases and clear causes. Given the many possible causes of papyedema as well as the risks, this condition needs to get a complete examination from a doctor. The doctor will do a physical examination and examination of the eye (ophthalmoscopy). Investigations, such as CT scans or MRI of the head and analysis of brain fluid, may also be needed.

How to Treat Papyedema

Treatment for papyedema will be given according to the conditions of the cause. If the cause of papyedema is not known with certainty, your doctor may suggest suctioning some of the cerebrospinal fluid through the action of lumbar puncture, and providing drugs to reduce swelling of the optic nerve. For papyedema caused by a brain tumor, the doctor will perform surgery to remove the tumor or chemotherapy. If papyedema occurs due to a bacterial infection in the brain, the doctor will give antibiotics. Another if papyedema occurs due to hypertension or high blood pressure. For this condition, the doctor will prescribe blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as diuretics, beta blockers, or ACE inhibitors. Untreated papyedema can cause a variety of serious complications, ranging from seizures, strokes, blindness, and even death. Therefore, do not be lazy to conduct routine checks to the eye doctor, especially if you have experienced vision problems or other symptoms of papyedema.