Is bilateral papilledema a serious one?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Papilledema is swelling of optic nerve head due to increase in intracranial pressure. This pressure may be high due to some tumor or blockage of sinuses or idiopathic (without cause).The investigations required are: 1.Perimetry should be done by ophthalmologist along with recording visual acuity, color vision and contrast sensitivity. 2.MRI - To rule out any intraocular mass. 3.MRV (magnetic resonance venography) - To rule out sinus blockage. This is common in young females and even more common if patient is taking oral contraceptive pills. If all these are fine then CSF(cerebrospinal fluid) opening pressure is recorded along with CSF cytology. In papilledema, due to idiopathic cause (known as IIH) treatment would aim to decrease pressure by oral tablets of Acetazolamide. Regarding your question, I would suggest you to tell me the visual acuity and reports of perimetry. If these are impaired then you should at least go for MRI and MRV urgently as these investigations will rule out any life threatening condition. If papilledema is due to IIH (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) then IIH is benign in 90 % of the cases. Revert backwith the perimetry reports. I hope I have addressed your concerns. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.Thank you.