HYDROCEPHALUS INFORMATION
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. It occurs in approximately 1 in 500 births in the United States. In most instances, hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition, meaning the patient is treated rather than "cured." Presently, there is no known way to prevent or cure hydrocephalus. Shunts are currently the primary method to treat hydrocephalus.
SHUNTS
A shunt is a silastic tube placed into the ventricular system that diverts the flow of CSF into another region of the body where it can be absorbed, such as the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity or the right atrium of the heart. The shunt tube is about 1/8 inch in diameter and is made of a soft and pliable plastic that is well tolerated by our body tissues. Shunt systems come in a variety of models but have similar functional components. Catheters (tubing) and a flow-control mechanism (one-way valve) are components common to all shunts. The valve in the shunt maintains the CSF at normal pressure within the ventricles.
Treatment by shunting redirects the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to another area of the body and generally allows patients to lead full and active lives. There are different kinds and models of shunting systems. The one-way calibrated shunt system was introduced in 1952 by a biomedical engineer named Dr. John Holter. Although, shunts were a major medical breakthrough, there are problems that still remain unsolved in the treatment of hydrocephalus such as shunt obstruction and infection.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a clear, water-like fluid produced primarily within the lateral ventricles of the brain. In each ventricle, small flower-like tufts called choroid plexus produce CSF at a constant rate. The fluid flows through a discrete channel into the space around the brain and spinal cord, where it also functions as a cushion, and it is reabsorbed back into the blood stream. A small amount of CSF is also produced by the spinal cord. The CSF contains important nutrients and carries waste products away from tissues in and around the brain.
THE EFFECTS
An overwhelming majority of newborns with hydrocephalus will have a normal life span and normal intelligence. In addition, they will enjoy normal activities and be useful members of society. However, there are complications associated with hydrocephalus with learning disabilities being one of the most prevalent. Hydrocephalus is a condition that can exist during one of two stages. It can be congenital (when the condition exists at birth) or acquired (when it occurs as the result of head trauma, infection, brain tumors and cysts after birth). Hydrocephalus exists in two forms;
Communicating (non-obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by inadequate absorption of CSF when the ventricular pathways are not obstructed.
Non-Communicating (obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by blockage in the ventricular pathways through which CSF flows.
THE SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of hydrocephalus may vary, according to the age of the patient and the other associated illnesses:
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. It occurs in approximately 1 in 500 births in the United States. In most instances, hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition, meaning the patient is treated rather than "cured." Presently, there is no known way to prevent or cure hydrocephalus. Shunts are currently the primary method to treat hydrocephalus.
SHUNTS
A shunt is a silastic tube placed into the ventricular system that diverts the flow of CSF into another region of the body where it can be absorbed, such as the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity or the right atrium of the heart. The shunt tube is about 1/8 inch in diameter and is made of a soft and pliable plastic that is well tolerated by our body tissues. Shunt systems come in a variety of models but have similar functional components. Catheters (tubing) and a flow-control mechanism (one-way valve) are components common to all shunts. The valve in the shunt maintains the CSF at normal pressure within the ventricles.
Treatment by shunting redirects the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to another area of the body and generally allows patients to lead full and active lives. There are different kinds and models of shunting systems. The one-way calibrated shunt system was introduced in 1952 by a biomedical engineer named Dr. John Holter. Although, shunts were a major medical breakthrough, there are problems that still remain unsolved in the treatment of hydrocephalus such as shunt obstruction and infection.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a clear, water-like fluid produced primarily within the lateral ventricles of the brain. In each ventricle, small flower-like tufts called choroid plexus produce CSF at a constant rate. The fluid flows through a discrete channel into the space around the brain and spinal cord, where it also functions as a cushion, and it is reabsorbed back into the blood stream. A small amount of CSF is also produced by the spinal cord. The CSF contains important nutrients and carries waste products away from tissues in and around the brain.
THE EFFECTS
An overwhelming majority of newborns with hydrocephalus will have a normal life span and normal intelligence. In addition, they will enjoy normal activities and be useful members of society. However, there are complications associated with hydrocephalus with learning disabilities being one of the most prevalent. Hydrocephalus is a condition that can exist during one of two stages. It can be congenital (when the condition exists at birth) or acquired (when it occurs as the result of head trauma, infection, brain tumors and cysts after birth). Hydrocephalus exists in two forms;
Communicating (non-obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by inadequate absorption of CSF when the ventricular pathways are not obstructed.
Non-Communicating (obstructive hydrocephalus) caused by blockage in the ventricular pathways through which CSF flows.
THE SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of hydrocephalus may vary, according to the age of the patient and the other associated illnesses:
- The head circumference (measurement around the head) of an infant with hydrocephalus will measure larger than the normal infant.
- Infants may have developmental delays, such as delayed sucking, abnormal reflexes, sleepiness, fussiness, nausea or vomiting.
- Older children may complain of headaches, difficulty walking, nausea or vomiting, lack of energy, sleepiness, inattention, blurred vision or dizziness.
- Adult symptoms may consist of headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, difficulty walking and visual changes.
- Elderly persons often have symptoms of drowsiness, unsteady walking (gait), loss of bladder control and confusion (dementia).
