Hydrocephalus

Children may also exhibit stunted growth and sexual maturation from third ventricle dilatation. Adults may also have nausea that is not exacerbated by head movements; incontinence (urinary first, fecal later if condition remains untreated) indicates significant destruction of the frontal lobes and advanced disease. Variable difficulty in walking: May have mild imbalance to inability to walk or to stand; the classic gait impairment consists of short steps, wide base, externally rotated feet, and lack of festination (hastening of cadence with progressively shortening stride length, a hallmark of the gait impairment of • Repeat LPs can be performed for cases of hydrocephalus after intraventricular hemorrhage (which can resolve spontaneously). If reabsorption does not resume when the CSF protein content is less than 100 mg/dL, spontaneous resorption is unlikely to occur. LPs can be performed only in cases of communicating hydrocephalus. Medical treatment is not effective in long-term treatment of chronic hydrocephalus; it is used as a temporizing measure to delay surgical intervention. Medical therapy may be tried in premature infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (in the absence of acute hydrocephalus, repeated taps are done not only to allow for potential resolution, but also to allow the protein level to reduce low enough that it will not clog any placed shunt).Normal CSF absorption may resume spontaneously during this interim period. Medical agents include carbonic an...

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord. When the circulatory path of the CSF is blocked, fluid begins to accumulate, causing the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase, resulting in hydrocephalus. What are the different types of hydrocephalus? Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles. The word “communicating” refers to the fact that CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open. Non-communicating hydrocephalus - also called obstructive hydrocephalus - occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles. One of the most common causes is aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the aqueduct of Sylvius, a small passage between the third and fourth ventricles in the middle of the brain. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a form of communicating hydrocephalus that can strike people at any age, but it is most common among the elderly. It may result from a Hydrocephalus may be also be classified as congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and may be caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development, or genetic abnormalities. In rare cases, congenital hydrocephalus may not cause symptoms in childhood but only manifest in adulthood and may be asso...

Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes brain swelling. The name means “water on the brain.” Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) usually moves within the brain’s cavities, also known as ventricles. But during hydrocephalus, excess fluid causes the ventricles to expand, putting pressure on other parts of the brain. Brain damage can occur as a result of this fluid buildup. This can lead to developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments. It requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. Hydrocephalus mainly occurs in children and adults aged over 60 years, but younger adults can get it too. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that Hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition and seek medical attention. It’s most common in children but can develop in people of any age. Infants Early signs of hydrocephalus in infants include: • • a rapid increase in head circumference • eyes that are fixed downward • • extreme fussiness • • excessive sleepiness • poor feeding • low muscle tone and strength Toddlers and older children Symptoms or signs that affect toddlers and older children include: • short, high-pitched cries • personality changes • changes in facial structure • • headaches • • delayed growth • trouble eating • extreme sleepiness • irritability • loss of coordination • loss of bladder control • larger-than-average head • tro...

• Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of too much fluid in the brain and spinal cord. • Hydrocephalus is not a disease but a condition and has several causes. • Congenital (inborn) hydrocephalus occurs in one or two of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. • Hydrocephalus is the most common reason for brain surgery in children. • Hydrocephalus comes from Greek words “hydro,” meaning “water,” and “cephalus,” meaning “head.” What is pediatric hydrocephalus? The nervous system contains a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. Fresh cerebrospinal fluid is made continuously by the brain every day. It circulates around the brain and spinal cord, carrying nutrients, washing away impurities and cushioning these delicate structures. Cerebrospinal fluid flows through the ventricles, which are open areas within the brain, by way of channels that connect one ventricle to another. Eventually, the fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream. In order to maintain normal pressure inside the skull the production, flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid must be kept in balance. Most problems arise from an obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow or poor absorption. What causes hydrocephalus in children? Hydrocephalus is typically a symptom of some other problem, and a pediatric neurologist and neurosurgeon can to determine the cause. Sometimes hydrocephalus develops during pregnancy and in other cases, after birth. Several conditions can result in blocked cerebrospinal fluid flow: • Inborn irregulariti...

The thought of having to undergo brain surgery is frightening and can be physically and emotionally taxing. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about the procedure, get to know the medical professionals involved in your care, and know what to expect post-surgery. The best way to prepare for hydrocephalus The Healthcare Team There are several people you will meet before surgery. The neurosurgeon. Surgery is carried out by a neurosurgeon (a specialist in surgery of the brain and nervous system). The surgery usually takes one to two hours. When you meet with your neurosurgeon before the surgery, some good questions to ask are how long the surgery will take, the risks involved, and whether or not they will shave part of your hair. You may also want to ask about how long you will have to be in the hospital, and how soon you can return to your normal activities. The hospital office staff. When you arrive at the hospital on the day of your surgery, you will meet with a member of the hospital office staff who will make sure all your paperwork is in order. He or she will ask you to sign a surgical consent form, which states that you give your permission for the surgery to be performed. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian will need to sign the surgical consent form for you. The nursing staff. A member of the nursing staff will review your medical history and ask about any allergies you may have and any medicines you may be taking. It may be helpful ...

The term hydrocephalus is derived from two words: "hydro," meaning water, and "cephalus," referring to the head. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the ventricles (fluid-containing cavities) of the brain and may increase pressure within the head. Although hydrocephalus often is described as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually CSF — a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CSF has three crucial functions: • It acts as a "shock absorber" for the brain and spinal cord; • It acts as a vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste; and • It flows between the cranium and spine to regulate changes in pressure within the brain. The average adult produces about one pint of CSF daily. When an injury or illness alters the circulation of CSF, one or more of the ventricles becomes enlarged as CSF accumulates. In an adult, the skull is rigid and cannot expand, so the pressure in the brain may increase profoundly. Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults age 60 and older. It affects adult males and females, as well as people of different races, about equally. Experts believe that normal-pressure hydrocephalus accounts for five to six percent of all dementia cases. Hy...