What is the medical term for the swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure?

The correct term for the swelling of the optic disc caused by increased intracranial pressure is papilledema. This condition occurs when there is excess fluid pressure surrounding the optic nerve, which leads to the swelling of the optic disc as seen during an eye examination. The presence of papilledema is an important clinical finding because it can indicate serious underlying issues, such as intracranial hemorrhage, brain tumors, or other conditions that lead to increased pressure in the cranial cavity.

Optic atrophy is the degeneration of the optic nerve fibers and does not involve swelling. Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from its underlying supportive tissue, which can cause vision changes but is not associated with swelling of the optic disc. Glaucoma is primarily a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure rather than intracranial pressure and does not specifically imply swelling of the optic disc like papilledema does. Hence, identifying the correct term as papilledema is essential in understanding the implications of increased intracranial pressure on eye health.