Papilloedema

Question 1

difference between papilloedema and swollen optic discs?

Answer 1

papilloedema is swollen optic discs secondary to raised ICP, the other term is just general

Question 2

is papilloedema unilateral or bilateral?

Answer 2

bilateral

Question 3

why does raised ICP affect the eye?

Answer 3

subarachnoid space surrounds the optic nerve as well as the brain

Question 4

why does the optic disc become swollen in papilloedema?

Answer 4

axoplasmic flow
venous congestion
all caused by raised ICP

Question 5

how can raised ICP kill a patient?

Answer 5

if pressure gets too high the brain squeezes through the foramen magnum -> compressed brainstem -> death

Question 6

cause of disc swelling in an overweight hypertensive patient?

Answer 6

malignant hypertension

Question 7

important investigation to do in someone presenting with swollen discs?

Answer 7

blood pressure

lumbar puncture

Question 8

how to diagnose idiopathic intracranial HT?

Answer 8

lumbar puncture

Question 9

can IIH cause swollen discs?

Answer 9

yes

Question 10

appearance of chronic swollen discs?

Answer 10

atrophic, pale

Question 11

no.1 diagnosis until proven otherwise if patient has bilateral disc swelling?

Answer 11

space occupying lesion