Definition and Overview
- Papilloedema: Optic disc swelling due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Not a disease but a sign of underlying pathology.
- Bilateral in most cases; unilateral presentation is rare.
Etiology
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Increased Intracranial Pressure Causes:
- Space-occupying lesions (tumors, abscesses, hematomas).
- Hydrocephalus.
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
- Venous sinus thrombosis.
- Infections (meningitis, encephalitis).
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Metabolic disorders (uremia, hypercapnia).
Pathophysiology
- Optic neuritis.
- Pseudopapilloedema (e.g., drusen of the optic nerve).