How is the cause for papilledema detected?

The patient requires a MRI scan. The diagnosis also requires a spinal tap. This will document elevated pressure inside your head and make sure there are no other abnormalities in the CSF. The finding of abnormal cells, inflammatory cells, or elevated protein may indicate a previous infectious, inflammatory, or tumor related cause of elevated intracranial pressure. In rare cases, an angiogram, where a catheter is placed in the arteries and veins going to the head, may be necessary to exclude an abnormality of the blood vessels. To determine whether there is further damage to the optic nerve acuity and visual field testing is necessary.