what is the definition of papilloedema?
bilateral optic disc swelling secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP)
not any other cause or unilateral
what are the functions of the CSF?
Maintains stable extracellular environment for the brain
Buoyancy
Provides mechanical protection
Waste removal
Nutrition
what are some CSF related causes of raised ICP?
Obstruction to CSF circulation eg due to congenital malformation
Overproduction of CSF eg due to choroid plexus tumour
Inadequate absorption eg due to subarachnoid haemorrhage
what happens if disc swelling become chronic?
Disc swelling subsides, discs become atrophic and pale.
Loss of visual function occurs and blindness may result