Acute and Chronic Papilledema

Papilledema refers to optic disc swelling due to increased intracranial pressure and can be a critical finding in various neurological conditions. It can occur with different severities and causes and requires timely intervention to prevent vision loss. Although papilledema has many etiologies, idiopathic intracranial hypertension is the most common. Acute papilledema is usually associated with increased intracranial pressure and is characterized by sudden optic disc edema. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting. Chronic papilledema is associated with long-term increased intracranial pressure and is characterized by recurrent optic disc edema. Permanent damage to the optic nerve may occur in chronic papilledema. Diagnosis is made by imaging such as fundoscopic examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of complications and prevent vision loss. Because of its clinical similarity, it must be distinguished from optic neuropathies and structural abnormalities of the optic disc known as pseudopapilledema. Treatment of papilledema involves eliminating the cause and, in selected cases, surgical intervention.