---
title: "Papilloedema (swollen optic nerve) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What papilloedema is, its link with raised intracranial pressure, headache and vision symptoms, and why urgent neurological assessment is needed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/papilloedema/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Papilloedema (swollen optic nerve)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Papilloedema is swelling of the optic nerve head caused by raised pressure around the brain. It can cause headaches, brief vision obscurations, and enlarged blind spots. It is not a disease itself but a sign that needs urgent neurological and eye assessment.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Assessment and treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. When pressure around the brain rises, the nerve head can swell as seen during an eye examination. This is papilloedema.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms vary and may build over time.

- Headaches, often worse on waking or with coughing
- Brief episodes of greying or loss of vision
- Whooshing pulse sounds in the ear sometimes
- Enlarged blind spot or reduced peripheral vision

## Causes

Causes include idiopathic intracranial hypertension, brain masses, blood clots, and some medications. It is distinct from optic neuritis, though both affect the optic nerve.

## Assessment and treatment

Urgent brain imaging and pressure assessment are needed. Treatment targets the underlying cause, such as reducing intracranial pressure. Eye checks monitor the optic nerve and vision while pressure is controlled.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### Is papilloedema the same as optic neuritis?

No. Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve causing eye pain and vision loss. Papilloedema is swelling from raised pressure around the brain and needs different urgent investigation.

### What causes a swollen optic nerve?

Papilloedema is swelling of the optic nerve head due to raised intracranial pressure. Urgent brain imaging is needed to find the cause.

### Can papilloedema affect vision permanently?

Untreated raised pressure can permanently damage the optic nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause protect vision.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/idiopathic-intracranial-hypertension)