National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Papilledema


Other Names:
Edema of the optic disc; Choked disk
Papilledema is a condition in which increased pressure in or around the brain (intracranial pressure) causes swelling of the part of the optic nerve inside the eye (optic disc). Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure include headache or nausea and vomiting. Vision problems are not common initially, but may include short flickers of gray vision, blurred or double vision, and decreased field of vision or ability to see colors. Both eyes are usually affected. Papilledema by definition is caused by increased cranial pressure. Diagnosis includes a thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist. Brain imaging studies (for example CT scan or MRI) are used to find the cause of the increased intracranial pressure. Treatment depends on the cause of the increased pressure but may include medications, surgery and/or weight management.[1][2]
Last updated: 8/31/2016
Since papilledema is caused by increased pressure in or around the brain (intracranial pressure), it is most important to find the cause of the increased intracranial pressure. These causes include:[1][2]
Last updated: 8/31/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Papilledema. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Papilledema. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Gossman MV. Papilledema. Medscape Reference. May 16 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1217204-overview.
  2. Garrity J. Papilledema. Merck Manual: Professional Version. April 2016; http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/optic-nerve-disorders/papilledema.