Description
The clinical features and progression of papilledema are variable, and are influenced by factors including the rate of increase and severity of raised intracranial pressure (ICP), age and pre-existing ocular pathology. In general, however, papilledema has been observed to evolve through several stages, with a variety of potential sequelae (see table).


Figure 1.
Papilledema with A hyperemic disc swelling,venous congestion and B macular star.
Figure 2.
Same patient, J 3 months later, showing chorioretinal folds and pale,K atrophic, optic disc.


STAGE | SYMPTOMS | SIGNS |
Early (several days after the appearance of ICP)
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Established (weeks)
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Chronic (weeks to months) |
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Atrophic (months to years)
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SEE ALSO
Papilledema – Diagnosis, Chorioretinal Folds & Retinal Folds, Cotton Wool Spots, RPE Detachment.