Papilloedema and pseudotumor cerebri

[chelscole]

had an eye exam like i normally  do and was told i had Papilloedema that could be caused by an pseudotumor cerebri
please can someone explain this to me like i am a 5 year old

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It should say you DO need to get down to your recommended weight. JCH MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Use the search feature and archives to access the many extended discussions on PTC.

In a nutshell the brain is producing too much cerebro-spinal fluid for unknow reasons. It raises the pressure in the brain and causes headaches. The pressure pushes on the optic nerve and makes them swell. Over a period of time it can cause serious damage to the vision. It can be caused by birth control pills, too much Vitamin A, tetracycline and is made worse by obesity. If you are overweight no need to get down to your recommended weight. It is also treated with a pill called diamox. It slows down the secretion of cerebro-spinal fluid.  You need to be under the care of an ophthalmologist Eye MD and a neurologist.

JCH MD