What are the other ways to get relief from papilledema instead of steroids?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was diagnosed with papilledema after suffering from bad headaches. So, I was on steroids and drinking glycerine to reduce the swelling of my optic nerve. But now I am again having headaches that mostly affect the right side of my head. As my pain is terrible, I try to reduce it by using ice packs to numb it, but it does not seem to work. And I am not willing to take steroids again as they already have disturbed my health. I have also undergone MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for headaches. So, please help by telling me what else I can do to ease the pain and reduce the swelling of my optic nerve.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your case. But initially, we need to find the underlying cause of the papilledema. Here are my opinions:

Your blood pressure needs to be checked. If the blood pressure is high, then start taking anti-hypertensive medicines.
If any infection is also present, then antibiotics are required.
If a brain tumor is there, then start the treatment accordingly, but it requires an MRI (magnetic resonace imaging) scan.
An indirect ophthalmoscopy examination is also required.
And if there is optic disc edema, steroids are required to reduce it.

I think you should consult a retina specialist or an ophthalmologist for a better examination.

Thank you.