Papilledema

Question 1

what is papilledema

Answer 1

swelling of the optic disc due to increased CRANIAL pressure radiating to the optic nerve

Question 2

what should a swollen disc be treated as until proven otherwise

Answer 2

raised ICP

Question 3

what re symptoms (4) and papilledema

Answer 3

headaches / N&V / affected vision / ringing in ears

Question 4

what are the signs (3) of papilledema

Answer 4

bulging disc / no disc to cup ratio / swollen vessels

Question 5

what is the pathophysiology of papilledema

Answer 5

subarachnoid space around CNII is continuous with brain and so a raised ICP is transmitted along optic nerve

Question 6

how do you check inter-cranial pressure

Answer 6

lumbar punture to obtain CSF

Question 7

what is the inter-cranial pressure made up of in it’s closed system

Answer 7

80% brain 10% blood 10% CSF

Question 8

what are risk factors for papilledema

Answer 8

head trauma (haemorrhage and swelling) / brain and spinal cord tumour / high BP / emboli and clot / pus from infection

Question 9

what can cause increased ICP and CSF in the system (3)

Answer 9

obstructed CSF circulation / increased CSF production / inadequate absorption

Question 10

what is idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Answer 10

common cause of bilateral disc swelling - obstructs CSF circulation and impairs absorption