papilledema
Definition
Noun: * Swelling of the optic disc: A medical condition characterized by swelling of the optic disc, which is the point at the back of the eye where the optic nerve enters the eyeball. This swelling is typically caused by increased pressure inside the skull.
Usage
- Papilledema is a clinical sign, not a disease itself. It is a critical finding that indicates an underlying problem, often requiring urgent medical investigation.
- It is primarily used in medical and ophthalmological contexts.
- Example: The ophthalmologist identified papilledema during the fundoscopic examination, prompting an immediate referral for a brain scan.
Advanced Usage
- Bilateral papilledema: Swelling present in both optic discs, which is the most common presentation and strongly suggests increased intracranial pressure.
- Example: The patient's headache and nausea, combined with bilateral papilledema, pointed towards idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
- Chronic papilledema: Long-standing swelling of the optic disc, which can lead to optic atrophy and permanent vision loss if the underlying pressure is not relieved.
- Example: After months of untreated symptoms, the chronic papilledema resulted in significant visual field defects.
Variants and Related Words
- Optic disc edema: A more general term for swelling of the optic disc, which can have causes other than increased intracranial pressure (e.g., inflammation, ischemia). Papilledema is a specific type of optic disc edema.
- Choked disc: An older, informal synonym for papilledema, describing the swollen appearance of the optic nerve head.
Synonyms
- Choked disc (informal, historical)
- Optic disc swelling (broader term)
Antonyms
- Normal optic disc: An optic disc with no swelling, having distinct margins and a healthy, pale cup.
- Optic atrophy: A condition where the optic nerve is damaged and appears pale and shrunken, which can be a consequence of long-term papilledema.
Noun
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swelling of the optic disc (where the optic nerve enters the eyeball); usually associated with an increase in intraocular pressure
