HYDROCEPHALUS

DEFINITION:
The buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain.

Classification:

1. Non-communicating hydrocephalus (obstructive)

2. Communicating hydrocephalus (non-obstructive)
CONGENITAL CAUSES (ETIOLOGY):

• Primary aqueductal stenosis

• Bicker-adams syndrome (X-linked hydrocephalus)
• Anatomical malformations: Chiari malformations

PATHOGENESIS:

• Imbalance in the production and absorbtion of CSF with three

mechanism:
1. Obstruction of CSF pathways
2. Impaired venous absorbtion
3. Over secretion of CSF
CLINICAL FEATURES
• Increase of intracranial pressure and dilatation of the ventricles
• Non-specific etiology
• An unusually large head
• A rapid icreases in the size of the head
• A bulging of anterior fontanel
• Sunsetting of the eyes
Physical examination:
• Vital sign changes
• The anterior fontanel become distended
• Frontal bossing
• The size of head

Diagnosis:
• Antenatal USG
• CT/MRI
• Lumbar puncture (infection)
MANAGEMENT
• Surgical drainage
• Shunt system
• Medical therapy using diuretics, fibrinolysis, and serial lumbar
puncture

COMPLICATION:
Neurological damage