Obstructive hydrocephalus
| Hydrocephalus | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Water on the brain |
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| Hydrocephalus as seen on a CT scan of the brain. The black areas in the middle of the brain are abnormally large and filled with fluid. | |
| Pronunciation |
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| Specialty | neurosurgery |
| Symptoms |
Babies: rapid head growth, vomiting, sleepiness, seizures Older people: Headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, mental impairment |
| Causes | Neural tube defects, meningitis, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, intraventricular hemorrhage |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and medical imaging |
| Treatment | Surgery |
| Prognosis | Variable, often normal life |
| Frequency | 1.5 per 1,000 (babies) |
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, or mental impairment. In babies there may be a rapid increase in head size. Other symptoms may include vomiting, sleepiness, seizures, and downward pointing of the eyes.
Hydrocephalus can occur due to birth defects or be acquired later in life. Associated birth defects include neural tube defects and those that result in aqueductal stenosis. Other causes include meningitis, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. There are four types of hydrocephalus: communicating, non-communicating, ex-vacuo, and normal pressure. Diagnosis is typically by examination and medical imaging.
Hydrocephalus is typically treated by the surgical placement of a shunt system. A procedure called a third ventriculostomy may be an option in a few people. Complications from shunts may include overdrainage, underdrainage, mechanical failure, infection, or obstruction. This may require replacement. Outcomes are variable; however, many live normal lives. Without treatment death may occur.
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