Hydrocephalus

By Ujala Cygnus

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 30, 2023

Overview

The abnormal collection of fluid in your brain is known as hydrocephalus. The Greek terms “hydro,” which means water, and “cephalus,” which means head, are the origin of the term “hydrocephalus.” Water on the brain was previously a term used to describe hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear, colourless fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, is what the “water” actually is.

Your brain’s ventricles are where CSF typically circulates. Your brain gets its nutrients and waste out of it through CSF. Your brain and spinal cord are covered in CSF, which shields and cushions them from harm. After then, CSF is reabsorbed into your blood.

The amount of CSF that your body normally creates and reabsorbs each day is equal. However, a buildup of CSF may occur if the usual flow or absorption of CSF is obstructed. The ventricles grow when the CSF accumulates in them. Your head’s pressure rises as a result of this. Too much CSF might put pressure on your brain and prevent it from working properly.

Types

Communicating hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo

Causes

Numerous factors can contribute to hydrocephalus development. Congenital or acquired hydrocephalus are both possible.

Congenital hydrocephalus is brought on by a mix of genetic and environmental factors during foetal development. Congenital means present from conception. Congenital hydrocephalus has the following most typical causes:

Spina bifida and associated (neural tube) abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

a constriction of the little opening that connects your brain’s third and fourth ventricles (aqueductal stenosis).

Premature birth complications, including ventricular haemorrhage.

infections that can inflame the foetal brain tissue during pregnancy, such as rubella.

Any time after birth, acquired hydrocephalus can manifest itself and impact people of all ages. the following are the main contributors to acquired hydrocephalus:

brain injury.

Stroke.

malignancies in the brain or spinal cord

brain or spinal cord infection, such as meningitis.

Additionally, bleeding or post-operative problems could result in hydrocephalus with normal pressure. Without any apparent cause, NPH affects a lot of people.

Symptoms

Infant symptoms could include:

Exceptionally big head.

Your baby’s head has a bulging soft area (fontanel).

Your infant’s eyes are looking downward (sun-setting eyes).

Vomiting.

Sleepiness.

Symptoms in older kids could be:

Adult symptoms could consist of:

Headache.

vomiting and nauseous.

vision issues.

being worn out.

balance and coordination issues.

loss of short-term memory

Symptoms in elderly people could be:

difficulty walking (gait disturbances).

slight dementia

Forgetfulness

bladder control loss

DIAGNOSIS

A neurological examination is used to identify hydrocephalus. Your doctor might examine your brain using ultrasound, computer tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Adults frequently have additional testing to diagnose the illness. These tests could consist of:

Back tap (lumbar puncture).

Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) measures the pressure inside your brain with a tiny pressure monitor.

During a fundoscopic examination, the optic nerve at the back of your eye is viewed using a particular tool.

Treatment

Currently, brain surgery is the sole option for treating hydrocephalus. To treat hydrocephalus, there are two different kinds of brain operations:

Shunt. The surgical implantation of a shunt—a medical device—is the most typical form of treatment for hydrocephalus. A flexible tube is inserted into your brain and is known as a shunt. It removes extra CSF from your body and transfers it to another location where it can be absorbed.

An incision is made in the third ventricle’s floor during an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This allows CSF to move generally in and around your brain. Children older than 2 are often the target audience for this operation.

Risk factors

The cause of hydrocephalus is frequently unknown. However, some medical or developmental issues can cause or contribute to hydrocephalus.

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