Which statement about papilledema is true?

Which statement about papilledema is true?

• A. It is typically bilateral.
• B. It always causes severe visual loss early.
• C. It never affects the blind spot.
• D. Paton's lines are never seen

Answer: (A)

Papilledema happens when intracranial pressure rises and is transmitted through the subarachnoid space around both optic nerves. This global pressure disrupts axoplasmic flow at the lamina cribrosa, causing swelling of the optic nerve heads. Because the pressure affects both optic nerves together, swelling is typically bilateral. That’s why the statement about papilledema being typically bilateral is the best answer. In contrast, severe visual loss early is not guaranteed—acuity can stay relatively good initially and visual symptoms often appear later or with sustained high pressure. The blind spot can be affected by disc edema, so the idea that it’s never affected isn’t correct. Paton’s lines can be seen with papilledema, so saying they are never seen isn’t accurate either.

Papilledema happens when intracranial pressure rises and is transmitted through the subarachnoid space around both optic nerves. This global pressure disrupts axoplasmic flow at the lamina cribrosa, causing swelling of the optic nerve heads. Because the pressure affects both optic nerves together, swelling is typically bilateral.

That’s why the statement about papilledema being typically bilateral is the best answer. In contrast, severe visual loss early is not guaranteed—acuity can stay relatively good initially and visual symptoms often appear later or with sustained high pressure. The blind spot can be affected by disc edema, so the idea that it’s never affected isn’t correct. Paton’s lines can be seen with papilledema, so saying they are never seen isn’t accurate either.