Papilloedema

Question 1

Define Papilloedema

Answer 1

‘Papilloedema’ is a specific term meaning swollen optic discs secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP)

Question 2

What 3 components comprise intracranial pressure?

Answer 2

• 1 Brain (80%)
• 2 Blood (10%)
• 3 CSF (10%)

Question 3

How does raised ICP kill you?

Answer 3

Cranial vault is rigid therefore cannot expand with increasing ICP

Opening in base of skull known as foramen magnum

With raised ICP, brain is squeezed through foramen magnum, brainstem compressed, patient stops breathing and dies

Question 4

Where is CSF produced?

Answer 4

Most produced in lateral ventricles by choroid plexus

CSF travels through 3rd and 4th ventricles into subarachnoid space

Choroid plexus is network of capillaries which filter blood to form CSF

Question 5

What happens when disc swelling becomes chronic?

Answer 5

• Disc swelling subsides, discs become atrophic and pale.
• Loss of visual function occurs and blindness may result