Papilledema

Papilledema, also referred to as optic disc edema, is an edema of the papilla nervi optici, where the optic nerve enters the retina. Papilledema is evident on ophthalmoscopy as swelling of the optic nerve head. Papilledema caused by increased intracranial pressure generally requires 24-48 hours before it becomes visible. In rare cases, papilledema may be detected as early as 6 hours after an increase in ICP¹. Papilledema generally does not cause blurred vision or visual field impairment; this occurs only in very pronounced cases over a longer period².

Bilateral Papilledema

Bilateral papilledema may result from increased intracranial pressure.

Unilateral Papilledema

Unilateral papilledema may, for example, result from compression caused by an orbital tumor. It may also occur in demyelinating diseases or with local inflammation³.

Diagnosis

Papilledema can be diagnosed by examination of the ocular fundus (ophthalmoscopy).

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