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Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) induces papilledema, a swelling of the optic disc where the optic nerve enters the retina. This illness is frequently a warning sign of underlying medical problems that necessitate quick treatment. The most common causes include brain tumours, hydrocephalus, intracranial haemorrhage, meningitis, and idiopathic intracranial pressure.
The symptoms of papilledema might vary depending on the degree and length. Early stages are typically asymptomatic and found during routine eye exams. As the illness worsens, patients may have headaches, nausea, vomiting, transitory visual abnormalities (such as brief episodes of vision loss), or double vision. Chronic or untreated papilledema can cause optic nerve injury and permanent vision loss.
Usually, a full eye exam with fundoscopic imaging to see the swollen optic disc is needed to diagnose the problem. Other tests, like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) to find out what's really going on are also needed.
The treatment focuses on resolving the underlying illness that is producing the elevated ICP. This may include pressure-reduction drugs, surgical techniques such as shunt insertion, or lumbar punctures. Early management is critical for avoiding problems, including irreparable eyesight impairment. Regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist or neurologist is critical for successful management.