Optic Nerve Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options - Ophthalmology

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Optic disc edema


Initially, I thought the sudden changes and increase in floaters warranted a visit to the ophthalmologist, but the doctor said my eyes were fine.
However, he discovered that my optic disc was swollen and suspected that I might have elevated intracranial pressure, even though I did not experience headaches or other discomforts.
The doctor promptly arranged for an MRI, which came back normal.
Given my history of high blood pressure over the past few years, he referred me to a cardiologist to monitor my blood pressure.
I am currently taking antihypertensive medication, and he also referred me to a neurologist.
The neurologist felt that based on the ophthalmologist's diagnosis, a lumbar puncture was the next step, but my family did not want me to undergo that procedure, so it has been put on hold for now.
The neurologist mentioned that he did not expect to find significant abnormalities from the lumbar puncture and believed the swelling was likely due to my blood pressure.
I am considered obese, so for now, I am focusing on taking blood pressure medication.
The ophthalmologist indicated that about 70% of the swelling is likely due to elevated intracranial pressure.
If I do not undergo a lumbar puncture, I have been given one month to lose weight and return for a follow-up to see if the swelling has decreased.
It has been three weeks, and I still feel that my abnormal symptoms have not improved significantly.
For instance, I experience sudden blackouts in my vision, especially when I stand up quickly from a lying position or when I am reclining to watch TV.
However, if I rise slowly or in segments, I do not experience this as much.
It feels somewhat like the blackouts associated with anemia.
Additionally, I have started experiencing tinnitus in my right ear, which sounds like a vibrating phone, fluctuating in intensity, and occasionally changing to a rumbling sound in both ears.
Initially, I had floaters in my right eye (which are no longer abnormal), but now I have tinnitus in my right ear (which has persisted for over a month).
I often feel tightness in my right neck, discomfort on the right side of my head for a day or two, followed by a feeling of pressure and pain in my right eye, and then soreness in my right leg.
Symptoms seem to appear one after another on the right side over a span of four days.

Question 1: Why did the ophthalmologist suspect elevated intracranial pressure but not prescribe medication to lower it immediately to see if the swelling would decrease? After my MRI, I asked if I could be prescribed medication to lower intracranial pressure, and he only gave me one prescription, advising that the neurologist should handle the rest.
However, the neurologist seems more focused on my blood pressure and prescribed me antihypertensive medication.
To date, I have only taken that one medication for lowering intracranial pressure.
Question 2: I have researched the sudden blackouts in my vision and found information related to the carotid arteries.
My right neck has been tight for a long time, to the point of forming a hard knot, and stretching has not helped.
Recently, I have been using a foam roller to relieve the tightness.
I wonder if poor circulation in the carotid artery could be causing these issues.
Which specialty should I consult for this?
Question 3: I used to sleep soundly through the night, but since visiting the doctor over a month ago and not finding a clear diagnosis, I have been under significant psychological stress.
I feel a constant sense of unease regarding my unexplained symptoms, compounded by being unemployed and staying at home, which has intensified my anxiety about my health.
I now struggle to sleep well; even if I go to bed around 10 PM, I toss and turn until 2 or 3 AM without feeling tired.
I don’t know when I finally fall asleep, but when I wake up, I don’t feel particularly refreshed—just a sense of having slept and then woken up, feeling generally lethargic.
I don’t feel particularly fatigued, even though I yawn frequently, and lying in bed for too long causes me to gradually lose consciousness, only to wake suddenly.
At times, this happens repeatedly, and I still do not feel like I have had a deep sleep.
Should I seek help from a psychiatrist or psychologist for this aspect?

Lin Xiaobao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/22

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Ms.
Lin: Regarding your medication questions, you should consult your attending physician, as they are familiar with your condition.
The cause of optic nerve edema needs to be determined before appropriate treatment can be administered.
For carotid artery issues, you may want to see a cardiologist.
Sometimes, high stress and poor sleep can be addressed by consulting a psychiatrist, which is a good approach.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2019/12/22

More Info


Understanding optic nerve edema is crucial, especially when it is associated with symptoms such as transient vision loss, ear ringing, and neck tightness. The condition can arise from various causes, including elevated intracranial pressure, which may be linked to your history of hypertension and obesity.

Causes of Optic Nerve Edema
Optic nerve edema, or swelling of the optic nerve head, can result from several factors. The most common causes include:
1. Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP): This is often the primary concern when optic nerve edema is detected. Elevated ICP can occur due to various reasons, including brain tumors, hemorrhages, or conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Your eye doctor suspected this due to the swelling observed during your examination.

2. Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure can contribute to changes in the blood vessels, potentially leading to optic nerve edema. Given your history of hypertension, it is essential to manage this condition effectively.

3. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and infections can also lead to optic nerve swelling.


Symptoms
You have described several symptoms that could be related to your optic nerve edema and overall health:
- Transient Vision Loss: The episodes of sudden darkness in your vision, especially when changing positions, could be indicative of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or other vascular issues. This warrants further investigation, particularly regarding your carotid arteries.

- Tinnitus (Ear Ringing): The ringing in your right ear may be related to vascular changes or could be a separate issue. It is not uncommon for ear problems to accompany neurological symptoms.

- Neck Tightness: The tightness in your neck could be related to muscle tension or vascular issues. It is essential to address this, as it may contribute to your overall discomfort and could be linked to your vision problems.


Treatment Options
1. Medication Management: Your eye doctor prescribed a diuretic to help reduce intracranial pressure. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that your blood pressure is well-controlled and to discuss the potential need for additional medications to manage your symptoms.

2. Weight Management: Since obesity can exacerbate hypertension and potentially contribute to increased intracranial pressure, weight loss may be beneficial. A structured weight loss program, including dietary changes and regular exercise, can help improve your overall health.

3. Neurological Evaluation: Given your symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a neurologist may be warranted. They can assess your neck tightness and transient vision loss more comprehensively, possibly recommending imaging studies or vascular assessments.

4. Mental Health Support: The stress and anxiety stemming from your health concerns can significantly impact your sleep and overall well-being. Consulting with a mental health professional may provide you with coping strategies and support to manage your anxiety and improve your sleep quality.


Follow-Up
It is crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with both your ophthalmologist and neurologist. They can monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, optic nerve edema can be a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Addressing your blood pressure, considering weight loss, and seeking neurological and psychological support are all vital steps in your recovery process.

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