Details Descriptions About :: Hydrocephalus

 Hydrocephalus is a condition that results from an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. It results in an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) with corresponding enlargement of the ventricular system. The condition is congenital or acquired, and communicating or noncommunicating (obstructive). Age Alert Hydrocephalus occurs most commonly in children but may also occur in adults and elderly people.

Causes for Hydrocephalus

Causes Genetic inheritance (aqueductal stenosis) Developmental disorders such as those associated with neural tube defects, including spina bifida and encephalocele Complications of premature birth such as intraventricular hemorrhage Diseases (such as meningitis), tumors, traumatic head injury, or subarachnoid hemorrhage blocking the exit from the ventricles to the cisterns, thereby eliminating the cisterns

Pathophysiology Hydrocephalus

Pathophysiology Ventricular dilation produces an increase in CSF pressure and volume, resulting in an increase in ICP. Compression of adjacent brain structures and cerebral blood vessels may lead to ischemia and, eventually, cell death.

Signs and symptoms Hydrocephalus

Signs and symptoms In infants Rapid increase in head circumference or an unusually large head size Vomiting Sleepiness Irritability Downward deviation of the eyes (also called “sunsetting”) Seizures In older children and adults Headache Vomiting Nausea Papilledema (swelling of the optic disk that’s part of the optic nerve) Blurred vision Diplopia (double vision) Sunsetting of the eyes Problems with balance Poor coordination Gait disturbance Urinary incontinence Slowing or loss of development Lethargy Drowsiness Irritability Other changes in personality or cognition, including memory loss

Diagnostic Lab Test results

Diagnostic test results Skull X-rays show thinning of the skull with separation of the sutures and widening of the fontanels. Angiography shows vessel abnormalities due to stretching. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging reveal variations in tissue density and fluid in the ventricular system. Lumbar puncture reveals increased fluid pressure from communicating hydrocephalus. Ventriculography shows ventricular dilation with excess fluid. Clinical Tip In infants, abnormally large head size for the patient’s age strongly suggests hydrocephalus. Measurement of the head circumference is the most important diagnostic technique.

Treatment for Hydrocephalus

Treatment Surgical correction by insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt Antibiotics Serial lumbar puncture Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

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