Mapping the blindspot: papilloedema for neurologists
About this episode
The episode discusses the diagnosis of papilloedema and its implications in neurology, featuring an interview with Prof. Susan Mollan.
Space, the final frontier. A new domain for the podcast opens, as we learn how astronauts are preparing for Mars transit by lying in bed. But first - the ophthalmology department refers a patient with a swollen optic disc. When is it papilloedema, and when is it not? And what does that have to do with Martian vistas? In this editors' choice podcast, PN podcast editor Dr. Amy Ross Russell interviews Prof. Susan Mollan¹ ², last author of the paper, "How to diagnose papilloedema", published in the August 2026 edition of the journal. From crashing visual loss to pulsatile tinnitus, they discuss the signs in a patient history which can build a picture of their condition. There's a practical walkthrough of the key elements of the eye exam, as well as discussion of the modern tools that are available to assist. Sometimes backup is needed, and Prof. Mollan explains when it's the right time to call the ophthalmologists back, and how to buy yourself extra time on a late Friday shift. Links: Fundoscopy: to dilate or not to dilate? Dr. Andrew Lee Explains Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome in New Whiteboard Video 1. Ophthalmology Department, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Amy Ross Russell
Guest: Prof. Susan Mollan
Topics covered
- papilloedema
- ophthalmology
- neurology
- patient history
- eye exam
- spaceflight
Keywords
- papilloedema
- optic disc
- visual loss
- pulsatile tinnitus
- eye exam
- astronauts
- Mars transit
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Queen’s University, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Books & works: How to diagnose papilloedema
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