Scribd
Upload
55 views2 pages

Lecture Notes 4.2: Hydrocephaly

Hydrocephaly is a condition where there is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles and skull. It is caused by disturbances in CSF formation, flow, or absorption. Common causes include brain malformations that block CSF flow, infections like toxoplasmosis, or tumors. Symptoms include head enlargement, vomiting, blurred vision, and slowed mental development. Diagnosis involves clinical exams, imaging like CT or MRI scans, and lumbar puncture. Treatment options are medications to reduce CSF production or increase absorption, or surgical procedures like shunt placement to drain fluid.

Uploaded by

Reza Parker
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
55 views2 pages

Lecture Notes 4.2: Hydrocephaly

Hydrocephaly is a condition where there is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles and skull. It is caused by disturbances in CSF formation, flow, or absorption. Common causes include brain malformations that block CSF flow, infections like toxoplasmosis, or tumors. Symptoms include head enlargement, vomiting, blurred vision, and slowed mental development. Diagnosis involves clinical exams, imaging like CT or MRI scans, and lumbar puncture. Treatment options are medications to reduce CSF production or increase absorption, or surgical procedures like shunt placement to drain fluid.

Uploaded by

Reza Parker
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Lecture Notes 4.

2: Hydrocephaly

Definition

a disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation, flow, or absorption, leading to an


increase in volume occupied by this fluid in the central nervous system (CNS).
A lot of fluid in your kopf :^)
Pathophysiology

most CSF is produced by the choroid plexus


CSF flows to the lateral ventricle, then to the interventricular foramen of Monro, the third
ventricle, the cerebral aqueduct of Sylvius, the fourth ventricle, the 2 lateral foramina of
Luschka and 1 medial foramen of Magendie, the subarachnoid space, the arachnoid
granulations, the dural sinus, and finally into the venous drainage
Total volume of CSF in an adult is 120 mL.
Etiology

Brainstem malformation causing stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius


Dandy-Walker malformation.
Arnold-Chiari malformation type 1 and type 2
Congenital toxoplasmosis (Cats )
Bickers-Adams syndrome
Tumors
Hemmorrhage
Iatrogenic
Idiopathic
Clinical Picture

Slowing of mental capacity dilatation: This can lead


to obesity and to precocious
Headaches (initially in the morning)
puberty or delayed onset of puberty.
that are more significant than in
infants because of skull rigidity Difficulty in walking secondary to
spasticity: This affects the lower limbs
Neck pain suggesting tonsillar preferentially because the
herniation periventricular pyramidal tract is
Vomiting, more significant in the stretched by the hydrocephalus.
morning Drowsiness
Blurred vision: This is a consequence Head enlargement: Head
of papilledema and later of optic circumference is at or above the
atrophy 98th percentile for age.
Double vision: This is related to
Dysjunction of sutures: This can be
unilateral or bilateral sixth nerve palsy seen or palpated.
Stunted growth and sexual Dilated scalp veins: The scalp is thin
maturation from third ventricle and shiny with easily visible veins.
Tense fontanelle: The anterior are retracted, and the white sclerae
fontanelle in infants who are held may be visible above the iris.
erect and are not crying may be
excessively tense. Increased limb tone: Spasticity
preferentially affects the lower limbs.
Setting-sun sign: In infants, it is The cause is stretching of the
characteristic of increased intracranial periventricular pyramidal tract fibers
pressure (ICP). Ocular globes are by hydrocephalus
deviated downward, the upper lids

Diagnosis

History
Clinical Examination
CBC, Genetic testing, Biochemical profiles, LP
CT. MRI

Treatment

Decreasing CSF secretion by the choroid plexus - Acetazolamide and furosemide

Increasing CSF reabsorption - Isosorbide (effectiveness is questionable)

Surgical-Shunting, Choroid plexectomy,

You might also like