In patients with headaches, the finding of swollen optic discs, or papilledema, on ophthalmoscopy is a key sign, as this indicates raised intracranial pressure ( ICP ) which could be due to hydrocephalus, benign intracranial hypertension ( aka pseudotumor cerebri ) or brain tumor, amongst other conditions.
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On medical examination the head of the optic nerve can easily be visualized by a slit lamp with high plus or by using direct ophthalmoscopy; however, frequently there is no abnormal appearance of the nerve head in optic neuritis ( in cases of retrobulbar optic neuritis ), though it may be swollen in some patients ( anterior papillitis or more extensive optic neuritis ).
