Optic neuritis and papillitis are broad terms denoting inflammation, degeneration, or demyelinization of the optic nerve due to a wide variety of diseases.

The optic nerve may be affected by inflammation in any part of its course. The clinical term optic neuritis implies involvement of any part of the optic nerve by an inflammatory disease process.

Papilledema is the most common differential diagnostic problem. In papilledema, there is often greater elevation of the optic nerve head, nearly...