Papilledema overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] {{Papilledema}]

Overview

Papilledema is defined as swelling of the optic disc that is caused by increased intracranial pressure. The swelling is usually bilateral and can occur over a period of hours to weeks. Unilateral presentation is extremely rare. Papilledema is mostly seen as a symptom resulting from another pathophysiological process.

In intracranial hypertension, papilledema most commonly occurs bilaterally. When papilledema is found on fundoscopy, further evaluation is warranted as vision loss can result if the underlying condition is not treated. Further evaluation with a CT or MRI of the brain and/or spine is usually performed. Unilateral papilledema can suggest orbital pathology, such as an optic nerve glioma. Treatment largely depends on underlying cause. However the root cause of papilledema is increase intracranial pressure. To decrease intracranial pressure, medical and surgical interventions can be administered.