papilledema
Pronunciation: pap-il-eh-DEE-mah
Bilateral optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure.
Full Definition
Papilledema is bilateral swelling of the optic disc resulting from elevated intracranial pressure. Unlike other causes of optic disc swelling, papilledema is specifically associated with increased pressure within the skull and can be a sign of serious neurological conditions such as brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The condition typically presents without initial vision loss but can progress to irreversible visual field defects if left untreated. Diagnosis requires fundoscopic examination and often neuroimaging.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with papillitis, which is inflammation of the optic disc that may be unilateral and associated with vision loss.
In Context
- "Fundoscopy revealed bilateral papilledema with obscured disc margins and retinal hemorrhages." — Ophthalmology consultation note
- "The presence of papilledema necessitated immediate neuroimaging to rule out intracranial pathology." — Emergency department report