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Papilledema & Pseudotumor Cerebri Specialist

NeuroEyeOrbit Institute

Swaraj Bose, MD

Neuro-Ophthalmologist & Orbital Surgeon located in Cedars Sinai Medical Towers, Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Bose is committed to providing patients in Beverly Hills, CA, and the Greater Los Angeles area with the most advanced, safest and most effective techniques for the diagnosis and management of papilledema and pseudotumor cerebri so patients can find symptom relief and experience optimal health and wellness.

Papilledema & Pseudotumor Cerebri Q & A

 

What is papilledema?

Papilledema is a condition that occurs when the optic nerve becomes swollen due to increased pressure in the skull. Symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, ringing or other noises in the ears, and vision problems including temporary vision blackouts or “gray-outs” that last up to 30 seconds and affect one or both eyes or flashing lights. Left untreated, papilledema can cause decreased field of vision and, eventually, blindness.

What causes papilledema?

Papilledema is most commonly caused by brain tumor, abscess in the brain, inflammation of the brain or its covering, injury or bleeding in the brain.

What is pseudotumor cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the pressure inside your skull becomes increased for no discernible cause. Symptoms are similar to papilledema and may include:

  • headaches that often become worse when you move your eyes

  • nausea or vomiting

  • dizziness

  • diplopia (double vision)

  • blurred or dimmed vision

  • light flashes

  • brief vision “blackouts”

  • ringing or other noises in the ears

  • neck or shoulder pain

Like papilledema, pseudotumor cerebri can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.

How are papilledema and pseudotumor cerebri treated?

The treatment for papilledema depends on what's causing the increased pressure. When a brain tumor is diagnosed, the first step in treatment may be to take a small tissue sample or biopsy to determine the type of cancer. Treatment may include chemotherapy or radiation or, in some cases, laser treatment. Surgery is another treatment option. For pseudotumor cerebri, treatment may involve spinal taps to remove excess fluid that can be causing increased pressure in the skull or with medication to reduce production of cerebral fluid that surrounds the brain. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve fluid drainage.

Additional information here.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

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For questions regarding your specific insurance plan, please contact the office.

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Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross of California
Assurant Health
Cedar Sinai Medical Group
Cigna
Health Net
Healthcare Partners
Medicare
Motion Picture Industry Health Plan
Railroad Medicare
Screen Actors Guild
Tricare
UnitedHealthcare
Universal Healthcare
Worker's Compensation