papilledema
Pronunciation: pap-il-uh-DEE-muh
Swelling of the optic nerve head visible on fundoscopy, typically indicating elevated intracranial pressure.
Full Definition
Papilledema is optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure, visible on ophthalmoscopic examination as blurring of the optic disc margins, elevation of the disc, and often associated retinal changes such as hemorrhages or exudates. This finding is a crucial clinical sign requiring urgent evaluation, as it may indicate serious conditions such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Papilledema should be distinguished from other causes of optic disc swelling (papillitis) that are not related to increased intracranial pressure. The term is specifically reserved for disc swelling secondary to elevated intracranial pressure.
Usage
Usage note: Specifically refers to disc swelling from increased intracranial pressure. Often confused with papillitis (inflammation) or pseudopapilledema.
In Context
- "Bilateral papilledema on fundoscopy prompted urgent neuroimaging to evaluate for elevated intracranial pressure." — ophthalmological examination
- "The absence of papilledema helped rule out significantly elevated intracranial pressure in this headache patient." — emergency assessment