Papilloedema

Question 1

What is papilloedema?

Answer 1

Optic disc swelling secondary to raised ICP

Question 2

All patients with bilateral optic disc swelling should be suspected of what?

Answer 2

Raised ICP due to a space occupying lesion

Question 3

Raised ICP can be treated conservatively. True/false?

Answer 3

False - medical emergency

Question 4

Outline the pathophysiology of papilloedema

Answer 4

Subarachnoid space surrounding optic nerve is continuous with SAS surrounding brain - means that when ICP increases it is transmitted to SAS and then CN II

Question 5

What are the three components contributing to ICP?

Answer 5

Brain
Blood
CSF

Question 6

Why is raised ICP a surgical emergency?

Answer 6

As the brain is squeezed through the foramen magnum, causing brainstem compression and death

Question 7

Where is the CSF produced?

Answer 7

Choroid plexus of lateral ventricles

Question 8

What is idiopathic intracranial hypertension?

Answer 8

Increased CSF pressure