Swelling of the optic nerve

My brother has been diagnosed with Pappiledema, he is having trouble with his vision.  He can make out words if written really big, of if he uses a magnifing glass.  Last year he had trouble in his left eye, there was a black spot in the middle of his vision.  He saw his eye doctor and has various test run, all came back normal.  The spot went away, but now he has this problem.  He has been told there is nothing to be done about it and he will eventually lose his sight.  I would like to know if this is true, is there no cure for Pappiledema?


This discussion is related to pappiledema (swelling of the optic nerve).

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
Papilledema is caused by an increase in the pressure of the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that is present between the brain and the skull, inside the head. This increase in intracranial pressure may be caused by any of a variety of conditions within the skull, brain, or spinal cord. The most common causes of papilledema are:
• tumor of the brain, spinal cord, skull, spinal column, or optic nerve
• abscess (the accumulation of pus within a confined space)
• craniosynostosis (an abnormal closure of the bones of the skull)
• hemorrhage (bleeding)
• hydrocephalus (an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull)
• intracranial infection (any infection within the skull such as meningitis and encephalitis)
• head injury


Treatment of papilledema is generally aimed at the treatment of the underlying disorder that is causing papilledema.
Diuretic drugs combined with a weight reduction program may be useful in cases of papilledema that are caused by an abnormally high production of cerebrospinal fluid.
Corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms in some patients with papilledema caused by inflammatory disorders.
Alternative treatment
Alternative treatments for conditions that cause the occurrence of papilledema include acupuncture, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, and herbal remedies.
Prognosis
With prompt medical care to treat the underlying cause of papilledema, a person affected with papilledema will not have permanent damage to his or her eye-sight. However, prolonged papilledema can result in permanent damage to the optic nerve which could lead to blindness.
Prevention
Preventing papilledema is only possible if the underlying condition causing the papilledema can be found. Treatment of this underlying condition may prevent recurrences of papilledema.
Refer http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/papilledema.jsp

Best