Headache and progressive neurological deficit

The aim of this topic is to review the pathophysiology of common intracranial space occupying lesions, particularly primary and metastatic neoplasms.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Describe the causes of raised intracranial pressure, including neoplasms, abscesses and haemorrhages.
2. Describe the clinical features and complications of raised intracranial pressure.
3. Describe the features of metastatic neoplasms involving the central nervous system in terms of their appearance, location and effects.
4. Summarise the major pathological features of glioma, ependymoma, meningioma, acoustic neuroma and pituitary adenoma.
5. Describe the investigations appropriate for a patient presenting with symptoms and signs indicative of raised intracranial pressure.
6. Describe the effects of metastatic carcinoma to the vertebrae and spinal cord, with emphasis on the syndrome of spinal cord compression.
7. Outline the role of the pathologist in the diagnosis and classification of neoplasms involving the neuroaxis.

1. Discuss the common causes and potentially lethal complications of raised intracranial pressure.
2. Outline the range of clinical manifestations of a pituitary adenoma.

Other relevant protocol - 48

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