Papilloedema

Question 1

What is the definition of papilloedema?

Answer 1

Bilateral optic disc swelling due to raised ICP

–> medical emergency

Question 2

What are you looking for on examination of the optic disc?

Answer 2

3 C’s:

• colour (should be pink/yellow with a pale centre)
• contour (borders should be well defined)
• cup (should occupy about 1/3 of the disc diameter)

Question 3

What are the causes of optic disc swelling?

Answer 3

Papilloedema
Malignant hypertension (always check BP)
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Optic neuritis
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
SOL
Optic neuropathy
Central vein occlusion

Question 4

What are the symptoms of papilloedema?

Answer 4

Nausea/vomiting
Headache worse in morning
Transient visual obscurations
Late stages have reduced peripheral vision

Question 5

What happens in disc swelling is not treated?

Answer 5

Swelling subsides, disc becomes atrophic and pale

–> loss of visual function + blindness may occur