Hydrocephalus occurs due to a defect at the base of the brain, known as the arnold chiari chiari 2 malformation. Hydrocephalus knowledge for medical students and physicians. The nursing goals for a client with hydrocephalus may include improving cerebral tissue perfusion, reducing anxiety, preventing injury, and the absence of complications. Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 3. The extent of the problem is dependent on the severity of the hydrocephalus, and the presence of brain or other organ system problems. Full text full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version. Hydrocephalus classification there is no international consensus on the classification of hydrocephalus, and there are various systems based on the age of onset, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and anatomical area of accumulation, the levels of cerebrospinal fluid pressure and the presence of symptoms. Description of hydrocephalus can be found in ancient medical literature from egypt as old as 500 ad.
Infantile hydrocephalus is a complex condition with both genetic and environmental causes. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much fluid builds up in the brain. Pdf pathophysiology of congenital and neonatal hydrocephalus. The primary clinical characteristic of this disorder is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf in the brain, which typically appears as. Symptoms the symptoms of hydrocephalus tend to vary greatly from person to person and across different age groups. This system diverts the flow of csf from the cns to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with. It is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. There are two other forms of hydrocephalus which do not fit distinctly into the categories mentioned above and primarily affect adults. This form is called communicating because the csf can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open. Also known as nonobstructive hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid csf is blocked after it exits the ventricles. The most common forms of adult hydrocephalus are obstructive hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and pseudotumor cerebri idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The ventricles and subarachnoid space appear enlarged secondary to loss of brain tissue. Hydrocephalus patient information guide aesculap, inc.
Epidemiology of hydrocephalus in children the ispn guide. Define and identify causes of micro and macrocephaly. Without treatment, damage to the brain tissues may occur. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward. Sometimes the appearance of the optic nerve can help a neurologist and neurosurgeon know the severity of hydrocephalus.
It is most commonly seen in older adults and is accompanied. Hydrocephalus merely denotes an increase in the volume of csf and thus of the cerebral ventricles ventriculomegaly although hydrocephalus is typically referred to as either being obstructive or communicating, this can lead to confusion as to the underlying cause of ventriculomegaly as the terms are referring to different aspects of the underlying pathophysiology namely why and where. Other possible causes of hydrocephalus include neural tube defects ntd, an opening along the neck or spine, certain viruses, a tumor, or hemorrhage bleeding near the brain. Finding the condition early and treating it quickly can help limit any longterm problems. This fact sheet lists eyes signs of hydrocephalus and what an ophthalmologist looks for in hydrocephalus.
Here are five 5 nursing care plans ncp for hydrocephalus. Congenital hydrocephalus is when a child is born with an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf in the brain. Hydrocephalus and spina bifida many people living with spina bifida also have a condition called hydrocephalus. For some babies with hydrocephalus, an exact cause may not be identified. Hydrocephalus is most often treated by surgically placing a shunt near the brain or spinal cord. There is no cure, but hydrocephalus can be managed with surgery. Hydrocephalus in adults department of neurosurgery. Untreated, hydrocephalus can result in brain damage or death. The damage to the brain from hydrocephalus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including. The shunt allows the extra csf to flow from the brain to another part of the body such as the abdomen, where it is naturally absorbed back into the bodys circulation. Hydrocephalus is most often treated by surgically inserting a shunt system. However, no definitive classification exists comprehensively to cover the variety of these. Csf is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
The csf is a normally clear fluid that carries important chemicals to the brain, removes wastes, and helps cushion the brain. Approaches to learning and teaching with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can affect the brain and a babys development. Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 251k, or click on a page image below to browse page by page. It is estimated that 1% of children who survive a bacterial meningitis will develop hydrocephalus 4.
Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes the brain to swell. Hydrocephalus is the abnormal enlargement of the brain cavities ventricles caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid csf. This results in the rise of intracranial pressure inside the skull causing progressive increase in the size of the head, seizure, tunneling of vision, and mental disability. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf occurs within the brain. Hydrocephalus that develops in older people normal pressure hydrocephalus may also be the result of an infection, illness or injury, but in many cases its not clear what causes the condition. This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Hydrocephalus relates to the progressive enlargement of the ventricular structures in the brain. Though not recognized as an independent specialty by international, regional, or national. Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of fluidcerebro spinal fluid, or csfwithin cavities called ventricles inside the brain. Spina bifida hydrocephalus and spina bifida sydney childrens. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The key to treating hydrocephalus is early detection, proper treatment, and prevention of infection. When hydrocephalus is suspected, one should perform a ct scan promptly because the increasing size of the ventricles is readily visible.
Congenital hydrocephalus is a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid csf in the brain at birth. This excessive accumulation results in an abnormal dilation of the spaces in the brain called. Hydrocephalus can be present at birth congenital or acquired at any time during a persons life as a result of hemorrhage,meningitis,head trauma,tumors or cysts. Normal pressure hydrocephalus nph is a condition that is caused by an abnormal build up of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles cavities or spaces of the brain. The information provided is a general overview of the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus and other conditions associated with hydrocephalus. Cleveland clinic discusses its causes, treatment, outcome and more.
Congenital hydrocephalus frequently occurs in association with other conditions,such as spina bi. Symptoms depend on the cause of the hydrocephalus, the age at which it develops and the extent of damage to the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Congenital hydrocephalus genetic and rare diseases. Hydrocephalus develops in up to 8090% of children with myelomeningocele mm after closure of the defect. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, or mental impairment.
Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of csf is blocked after it exits the ventricles. Hydrocephalus information page national institute of. Hydrocephalus is usually heralded by the gradual onset of a triad of symptoms, including lethargy with decreased mental function, ataxia, and urinary incontinence. Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities ventricles deep within the brain.
Hydrocephalus may also be communicating or noncommunicating. Within the brain there is solid tissue and hollow cavities. Its called communicating because the ventricles remain open and the csf can still flow freely. The extra fluid can increase pressure in the babys brain, causing brain damage and mental and physical problems. Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf within the ventricles of the brain. Mubarak abdelrahman md pediatrics and child health assistant professor faculty of medicine jazan.
Any information contained in this pdf file is automatically generated from digital material. Hydrocephalus is characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf in the ventricles of the brain. The solid portions are called hemispheres and the hollow areas or cavities are named ventricles. Understanding hydrocephalus normal pressure hydrocephalus nph is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid that causes the ventricles in the brain to become enlarged, sometimes with little or no increase in intracranial pressure icp. Hydrocephalus and spina bifida sydney childrens hospital. Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, is a condition associated with a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid csf in or around the brain. Congenital hydrocephalus may be caused by genetic conditions or other factors during pregnancy. Traditionally, ventriculoperitoneal shunts have been used to manage hydrocephalus in.
Learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Hydrocephalus life beyond nph and aqueduct stenosis. Review article clinical manifestations of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in children kristopher t kahle, abhaya v kulkarni, david d limbrick jr, benjamin c warf hydrocephalus is a common disorder of cerebral spinal.
Infants commonly present with progressive macrocephaly whereas children older than 2 years. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when there is an. This is the narrowing of the path between the third and fourth. As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is. In the majority of infants with hydrocephalus, however, an extrinsic cause is not easily discerned. Hydrocephalus exvacuo occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by stroke or traumatic injury. When the circulatory path of the csf is blocked, fluid begins to accumulate, causing the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase, resulting in hydrocephalus. This excess fluid causes an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles ventriculomegalia and can create a harmful pressure on brain tissue. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it. Normal pressure hydrocephalus nph cleveland clinic.
Usually, the body maintains a constant circulation and absorption of csf. Children living with spina bifida with hydrocephalus may. Hydrocephalus is a disorder characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal. What links here related changes upload file special pages permanent link page. The name comes from a combination from greek words meaning water and head. If left untreated, this can lead to brain tissue stretching, significantly affecting your childs growth and development. It describes how hydrocephalus injures the eyes, affects eye movements, and causes perceptual defects. Abstract the word hydrocephalus is derived from two. In babies, it may be seen as a rapid increase in head size.
Hydrocephalus causes, symptom and surgical treatments. It primarily affects adults and occurs when a degenerative disease, like alzheimers disease, stroke or trauma, causes damage to the brain that may cause the brain tissue to shrink. In acquired hydrocephalus, an extrinsic cause is often readily apparent by history or on the basis of imaging findings. The term hydrocephalus is derived from the greek words hydro meaning water and cephalus meaning head. A shunt system consists of the shunt, a catheter, and a valve. Hydrocephalus that develops in adults and children acquired hydrocephalus is often caused by an illness or injury that affects the brain. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid csf occurs. Types of hydrocephalus advanced neurosurgery associates. The pathophysiology of congenital and neonatal hydrocephalus is not well understood although the prognosis for patients with this disorder is far from optimal. Typically found in infants, hydrocephalus is also reported in elderly adults. Links to pubmed are also available for selected references. The evaluation and treatment of these conditions is often quite different. Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 5.
308 435 404 1208 102 872 1105 330 1222 493 1389 603 1094 1190 59 920 492 911 148 662 477 330 1061 584 1535 865 87 232 448 1183 1073 547 1374 383 146 84 921 1366 845 193