Types of Hydrocephalus

TYPES OF HYDROCEPHALUS

Types of hydrocephalus. An excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain is known as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek terms “cephalus,” which means head, and “hydro,” which means water. Previously, hydrocephalus was referred to as “water on the brain.” The clear, colorless fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and it is truly the “water.”

TYPES OF HYDROCEPHALUS

Your brain’s ventricles are the normal passageways for CSF. CSF acts as your brain’s system for removing waste and delivering nutrients. Your brain and spinal cord are surrounded by CSF, which shields and cushions them from harm. Following that, CSF is reabsorbed into your circulation. Developmental delays, migraines, hazy eyesight, and altered gait are some of the symptoms, as is a larger head, particularly in infants.

Types

When the CSF flow is interrupted after it exits your ventricles, communicating hydrocephalus happens. The swelling of the arachnoid membranes at the base of your brain may cause this kind of hydrocephalus. The CSF cannot flow freely because of this obstruction. The reason this kind of hydrocephalus is called communicative is that your ventricles are still open and the CSF can still move between them. Hydrocephalus that does not communicate is often referred to as obstructive hydrocephalus. Blockages in one or more of the small channels that connect your ventricles can result in non-communicating hydrocephalus. When your ventricles swell due to CSF buildup, but there is little to no rise in pressure, you have normal pressure hydrocephalus. The distinction between NPH and other forms of hydrocephalus is that, despite the presence of an abnormally high volume of CSF, the pressure within your ventricles stays constant. Symptoms appear gradually when the CSF in your ventricles builds up. The elderly are most commonly affected by NPH. Damage to the brain from a head injury or stroke causes hydrocephalus ex-vacuo. Your ventricles’ surrounding brain tissue shrinks in these situations. To fill in the additional space, CSF accumulates in your ventricles. Despite the enlargement of your ventricles, your head pressure often stays normal.

Causes

Numerous factors can lead to the development of hydrocephalus. Both congenital and acquired hydrocephalus are possible.
During fetal development, congenital hydrocephalus is caused by a confluence of environmental and genetic variables. Being “congenital” means existing from birth. Congenital hydrocephalus most frequently results from:
Defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube), include spina bifida.
A condition known as aqueductal stenosis occurs when the thin passageway between your brain’s third and fourth ventricles narrows.
complications from early birth, include internal bleeding in the ventricles.
infections that might inflame the fetal brain tissue during pregnancy, such rubella.

People of all ages can develop acquired hydrocephalus at any time after birth. Acquired hydrocephalus is most frequently caused by:
brain injury.
Stroke.

Treatment

Shunt. A shunt is a medical device that is surgically implanted as the most common treatment for hydrocephalus. A flexible tube called a shunt is inserted into your brain. The extra CSF is drained and sent to a different part of your body for absorption.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): This procedure involves creating a tiny hole in your third ventricle’s floor. This makes room for the regular flow of CSF into and out of your brain. Usually, children older than two get this treatment.

Summary

A loved one’s hydrocephalus diagnosis can be frightening. It’s crucial to keep in mind that you’re not alone, though. You can receive the resources and tools you require to provide for your family from your healthcare physician. A regular, happy existence is something your loved one can achieve by being aware and making the right plans.