What is Hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the venticular system and absorbed into the bloodstream. Most cases, it is a lifelong condition in that the patient is treated rather than "cured" Presently, there is no cure for hydrocephalus and shunts are the method for treatment. In most cases, Hydrocephalus is not hereditary. Hydrocephalus exists in two forms; communicating (non-obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by inadequate absorption of the CSF when the ventricular pathways are not obstructed; or non communicating (obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by a blockage in the ventricular pathways through which CSF flows.
Hydrocephalus is also sometimes described as internal or external hydrocephalus. Internal hydrocephalus refers to an accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain. External hydrocephalus refers to the accumulation of fluid outside of the ventricles.
Hydrocephalus may also be present at birth. This is called Congenital Hydrocephalus. Congenital Hydrocehalus can be due to blockage at the aqueduct stenosis, congenital anomalies such as an Arnold-Chiari malformation or Dandy-Walker malformation or it can be due to an inflammatory process when premature birth has resulted in bleeding within the brain.
If is required later in life it is called Acquired Hydrocephalus. Acquired Hydrocephalus can be can be caused by many things such as : tumours, infection or bleeding within the brain that blocks the movement or absorption of CSF.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is the enlargement of the ventricles of the brain, without increased CSF Pressure. Older people are more commonly affected. Generally, CSF flow over the surface of the brain is reduced, for reasons unknown.
There is a ton of information on the internet about hydrocephalus. You can use any good search tool such as www.google.com and put in hydrocephalus as the keyword and you will find many sites full of information.
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