Papilledema

When was the last time you can say “I saved someone’s life.”  Recently I diagnosed something that would never have been detected otherwise at this stage unless my patient had gotten an eye exam. A 36 year old female came in just wanting new glasses. Routine as could be, but when I looked into the back of the eye I saw THIS (see below). 

Holy swollen optic nerves batman! Along with VF loss. Referred the patient right away to get emergent MRI. The neurologist did the MRI immediately, which luckily came out negative. Patient is scheduled for a lumbar puncture next Friday and I am waiting for news. The patient stopped by my clinic after seeing the neurologist and gave me one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever gotten because she thinks I might have saved her life. Maybe I did, and it was a great feeling! Maybe this is my psychological downfall but I get really invested with my patients and really try to put myself in their shoes. Throughout the process the patient was calling and emailing back and forth her status and I was just there to encourage her through it all.

Update: Patient came by the office. Lumbar puncture revealed elevated CSF pressure. I asked the patient if she was taking an oral med now like Diamox and she was floored: saying “Dr. Mai, are you a neurologist on the side, that’s exactly what the neurologist put me on!” Neurologist told her that she could have went blind if I didn’t catch it and so he was impressed by her optometrist!

Serving the communities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, Santa Ana, Hungtington Beach, and Fountain Valley. Schedule a visit with Dr. Valerie Lam or Dr. Thanh Mai to learn more. Our optometry practice is located in Costa Mesa at 3151 Airway Ave. Suite J2, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.