March 29, 2018 "Optic nerve edema #3"

Rayden's vision remains the same and his optic nerves are still swollen! Dr. Grace is sending the new photos to Dr. Elton, Neurosurgeon, because she is not 100% sure his shunt is not malfunctioning. She stated that since his optic nerves have been swollen since January (that we KNOW of) she is calling it "chronic papilladema". The only other thing she thinks it could be is drusen.  (Optic nerve drusen are abnormal globular collections of protein and calcium salts which accumulate in the optic nerve.  Drusen usually become visible after the first decade of life, but can be seen before age ten in some children.) We will be going back to UNC next week to have an ultrasound of his eyes to rule out drusen. She thinks the likelihood of it being drusen is very low but how many times has Rayden NOT followed the text books? She also thinks a repeat MRI may be a good idea.

Left: March 29       Right: February 22

Causes of papilledema in the pediatric population may include, but are not limited to, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, intracranial mass, trauma/subdural hemorrhage, meningitis, subdural venous thrombosis, arteriovenous malformation and idiopathic increase in intracranial pressure.