What is a common symptom of increased intracranial pressure?

Increased intracranial pressure can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms due to the pressure exerted on brain structures, especially the optic nerve. Blurred vision is particularly common because as intracranial pressure rises, it can cause swelling of the optic disc, a condition known as papilledema. This swelling can interfere with the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain, leading to a blurry or distorted visual field.

In relation to the other symptoms mentioned, night blindness typically involves difficulty seeing in low light conditions and is generally associated with issues in the eye itself or vitamin A deficiency. Photophobia refers to light sensitivity, which is not a direct consequence of increased intracranial pressure. Reduced peripheral vision can occur under certain conditions associated with intracranial pressure but is less immediately noted compared to the clearer presentation of blurred vision. Thus, blurred vision stands out as a hallmark symptom linking directly to increased intracranial pressure, as it is often among the first visual disturbances observed in patients experiencing this condition.