optic chiasm compression is it brain compression
is optic chiasm regarded as a brain compression? optic chiasm is
described as “an X-shaped structure formed by the crossing of the optic nerves
in the brain.” but is it brain compression or a nerve disorder?
Comments
It is a normal structure in the brain, not a disorder or compression:
The optic chiasm is an X-shaped structure formed by the crossing of the optic nerves in the brain. The optic nerve connects the brain to the eye. To biologists, the optic chiasm is thought to be a turning point in evolution.
As an example, with a neoplasm of the brain, the patient (my anecdotal observations) will often have what is described as a small, circumscribed area of edema adjacent to the lesion. Or, after a brain lesion is surgically removed, the patient will have LOCALIZED areas of edema that are due to limited swelling after the surgery. I have been advised by our Neurosurgeons that this is a normal reaction to the excision of the lesion, and that Decadron will be provided as prophylaxis. These are not reportable.
I look for a mass effect, compression, hernia, midline shift and such, as shown on a CT or MRI. You should see clinical concern charted for either process, too.
I realize this is my opinion, only, but this is what I have learned working with my neurosurgery team and also by working clinical validation denials.
Paul Evans, RHIA, CCDS