Papilloedema Flashcards
What should all patients with bilateral optic disc swelling be suspected of having?
raised ICP due to a space occupying lesion (SOL) until proven otherwise
Describe the pathophysiology of papilloedema.
Subarachnoid space (SAS) around optic nerve (ON) continuous with subarachnoid space surrounding the brain
When intracranial pressure increases, this is transmitted to the SAS then to the ON…..
This causes interruption of axoplasmic flow and venous congestion= swollen discs
Which 3 components are involved in intra cranial pressure?
1 Brain (80%) 2 Blood (10%) 3 CSF (10%)
Does the cranial vault expand with increasing ICP ?
no - it is rigid
Do all patients with raised ICP have a space occupying lesion?
no
What are the functions of CSF?
Maintains stable extracellular environment for the brain Buoyancy Provides mechanical protection Waste removal Nutrition
Where is CSF produced and where does it go?
Most produced in lateral ventricles by choroid plexus
CSF travels through 3rd and 4th ventricles into subarachnoid space
What is the choroid plexus?
network of capillaries which filter blood to form CSF
What 3 things can lead to raised ICP?
Obstruction to CSF circulation
Overproduction of CSF
Inadequate absorption
What happens if disc swelling becomes constant?
Disc swelling subsides, discs become atrophic and pale.
Loss of visual function occurs and blindness may result
Ophthalmoscopy is part which cranial nerve examination?
cranial nerve II examination