Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Eye Care  (Expert Forum)
 | 
swelling of or around optic nerve.
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

swelling of or around optic nerve.

by Elizabeth-Taylor-Fredo, Jul 31, 1999 12:00AM

Posted by Elizabeth Taylor-Fredo on July 31, 1999 at 10:53:02
I am 47 years old. Approx. 3 weeks ago I went in for a routine physical at which time I told my doctor that I was waking up with bad headaches.  He asked me some questions that I answered and after examining my eyes he said he wanted me to see a optomologist, I hope that is the correct spelling, he saw that I had swelling of or around the optic nerve. He said that was NOT normal.  He told me he wanted me to see him that week it was Wednesday. I got the appt. for Friday that was not easy.  The optomologist saw the same thing, swelling of the optic nerve. He was going to consult with my regular MD of which he did. My Doctor sched. me an MRI. I have not received the results yet, but am a little scared of the results.  Should I be?

Posted by hfhs md ke on July 31, 1999 at 17:46:00
elizabeth-
all i can tell u at this point is that "swelling" of the optic nerve, if there really is swelling, is not normal, but there are many causes-  most of them not too serious, i.e. something to be too scared about. they all need to be addressed though.  at thois point i would try to relax and wait for the MRI-  one distinct possibility if u have been having headaches is called Pseudotumor cerebri-  and it is not a tumor, it is simply increased pressure inside the central nervous system and it is typically treatable.  good luck and if at any point u want a second opinion we would love to see you here at Henry Ford Eye Care Services.  Simply call 1-800-363-7575 for an appointment.

Posted by Elizabeth Taylor-Fredo on July 31, 1999 at 21:47:17
hths MD.
Thank you for the information.  Greatly appreciated.  Thank you for the 800 number too.  If I do want another opinion I will definately be calling you.  
One other question for you? If I indeed have what you say it may be, is the treatment easy or difficult? I guess I should ask? what is the proceedure.

Posted by hfhs md ke on August 02, 1999 at 15:14:54
the treatment varies and i would first wait to see what u have and then discuss treatment with your doctor.  good luck.



Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
What You Can Learn From Tiger Woods...
Dec 04 by Steven Y Park, MD
When the Mexican Drug Trade Hits th...
Dec 03 by Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.
In the ER: Coffee, anyone?
Dec 02 by Jon Geller, D.V.M.