As brain tissue shrinks, the ventricles of the brain become larger. This type occurs after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or degenerative diseases. An estimated 375,000 older adults in America have normal pressure hydrocephalus. However, in many cases, doctors do not know why it occurred. It may develop after stroke, injury, infection, surgery, or hemorrhage. This only affects people aged 50 or older. Non-communicating hydrocephalusĪlso called obstructive hydrocephalus, non-communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the thin connections between the ventricles become blocked. It is called “communicating” because CSF can still flow between the brain’s ventricles. This type of hydrocephalus occurs when the CSF becomes blocked after leaving the ventricles. This develops after birth, usually after a stroke, brain tumor, meningitis, or as a result of a serious head injury. It is one of the most common developmental disabilities, more common than Down syndrome or deafness. It may be caused by an infection in the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella or mumps, or a birth defect, such as spina bifida. There are a number of types of hydrocephalus: Congenital hydrocephalusĪpproximately 1 in every 500 American babies are born with hydrocephalus. If the process of producing and removing CSF is disturbed, CSF can accumulate, causing hydrocephalus. The brain produces about 1 pint of CSF each day, and old CSF is absorbed into blood vessels. The term “water in the brain” is incorrect, because the brain is surrounded by CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), not water. The outlook for a patient with hydrocephalus depends mainly on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated, and whether there are any underlying disorders. Other symptoms include headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, cognitive problems, and walking difficulties. Hydrocephalus can be fatal if left untreated. In some cases, this can cause the head to steadily grow in size, convulsions, and brain damage. In hydrocephalus, the build-up of CSF can raise pressure inside the skull, which squashes surrounding brain tissue. Share on Pinterest CT and MRI scans of the brain may be used to identify and diagnose hydrocephalus.
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