An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium, which causes enlargement of the fluidfilled structures of the brain and deterioration of surrounding brain tissue.
An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebral fluid resulting in an enlargement of the head and other symptoms.
Fluid accumulates in brain case.
An excessive quantity of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
A condition involving excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid circulating in the brain and spinal cord and sometimes blockage of the normal circulation; popularly called “water on the brain.” Hydrocephalus may be present at birth, as the result of a genetic disorder such as spina bifida, or it may result from other causes, such as head injury, a brain tumor, or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles (central spaces) of the brain because of blockage of normal fluid outflow from the brain or failure of fluid to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly enough. The result is enlargement of the head (especially in infants and young children) and increased pressure that damages the brain. The condition may be congenital— it is estimated to occur in 1 out of every 500 births—and manifests itself immediately after birth or more slowly during early childhood with abnormally rapid head growth, bulging fontanelles, and small face; if untreated, it progresses to cause lethargy, defective reflexes, seizures, and eventually death. When acquired later in life (e.g., as a result of trauma, brain tumor, or infection), the symptoms are primarily neurological, resulting from pressure on the brain, and include headache, loss of muscular coordination, and visual abnormalities. Treatment usually involves surgical procedures to remove or shunt the excess fluid. The outcome depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Also called hydrocephaly.
Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain as a result of developmental anomalies, infection, or tumor.
A disorder characterized by the presence of excessive fluid in the brain. If the circulation or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked or excessive fluid is produced, excess fluid accumulates and puts pressure on the brain. The pressure forces the brain against the bones of the skull, damaging or destroying brain tissue.
An abnormal increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain. In childhood, before the sutures of the skull have fused, hydrocephalus makes the head enlarge. In adults, because of the unyielding nature of the skull, hydrocephalus raises the intracranial pressure with consequent drowsiness and vomiting. Hydrocephalus may be caused by obstruction to the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles or a failure of its reabsorption into the cerebral sinuses. Spina bifida is commonly associated with hydrocephalus.
An abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSE, within the skull, as a result of one or more of three main causes: (i) excessive CSF production; (ii) defective CSF absorption; (iii) blockage of the circulation of CSE Such disturbances in the circulation of the fluid may be for congenital reasons (most commonly associated with spina bifida), to meningitis, or to a tumour.
The accumulation of excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, resulting from blockage or destruction of the normal channels for CSF drainage. Common causes include congenital lesions (e.g., spina bifida or aqueductal stenosis), traumatic lesions, neoplastic lesions, and infections such as meningoencephalitis. Sometimes the accumulated fluid leads to increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. This can happen either because too much cerebrospinal fluid is being produced or because the fluid isn’t draining properly. The surplus fluid results in increased pressure within the skull, which could potentially cause damage to the brain.
Hydrocephalus can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, often in association with other abnormalities like spina bifida. Alternatively, it could be caused by a significant head injury, brain hemorrhage, an infection (such as meningitis), or a tumor.
In cases of congenital hydrocephalus, the primary characteristic is a rapidly expanding head size. Other symptoms can include leg stiffness, vomiting, epilepsy, irritability, lethargy, and a lack of standard reflex responses. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can lead to severe brain damage, potentially causing death within a matter of weeks.
If hydrocephalus develops later in life, once the skull bones have already fused, the skull cannot expand to house the extra fluid. In such cases, the elevated pressure inside the skull can result in symptoms like headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, and a decline in cognitive abilities.
Typically, hydrocephalus treatment requires a surgical operation where a tube, known as a shunt, is implanted into the skull. This tube allows the brain’s fluid to drain into another body part, like the abdominal cavity, where it can be absorbed. For older children and adults, any underlying causes of the condition, such as a brain tumor, are also addressed.
An abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain’s cavities or ventricles, which can either be present from birth or develop in early infancy. Cerebrospinal fluid, produced in the ventricles and enveloping the brain and spinal cord, typically drains into the general circulation. However, if an obstruction hinders its normal drainage or if there’s an increased rate of production, it leads to a progressive enlargement of the child’s head, thinning of the skull, brain atrophy, mental impairment, and seizures. This condition is also known as “hydrocephalus” or “water on the brain.”