Optic nerve decompression surgery improves visual function in patients with pseudotumor cerebri

Neurosurgery. 1992 Mar;30(3):391-5. doi: 10.1227/00006123-199203000-00013.

Abstract

Papilledema from pseudotumor cerebri can cause severe loss of visual acuity and visual field. We performed optic nerve decompression surgery on 17 patients with pseudotumor cerebri who, despite maximum conventional therapy, developed progressive loss of visual acuity and/or visual field. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved or stabilized in 33 of 34 eyes (97%). Visual fields improved in 20 of 21 eyes that underwent surgery. Optic nerve decompression surgery relieves local cerebrospinal fluid pressure on the optic nerve. Progressive loss of visual function associated with pseudotumor cerebri can be reversed or stabilized with optic nerve sheath decompression surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Headache / etiology
  • Headache / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery*
  • Papilledema / etiology
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / complications*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / drug therapy
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / surgery*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields