CSF and hydrocephalus Flashcards
where is the majority of CSF produced
lateral ventricle (65%) also produced in third and fourth ventricles
what is the main component that differentiates CSF composition from serum?
protein - protein is MUCH higher in serum
what are the four general functions of CSF
protection of the brain from pressure and temperature changes
buoyancy - makes brain lighter
metabolic - takes toxins away from brain
endocrine - transports hormones between areas of the brain
what occurs when CSF accumulates within the cerebral ventricles or subarachnoid space
enlarged ventricles
increased ICP
what is it called when there is an abnormality inhibiting CSF resorption
communicating or non-obstructive hydrocephalus
how does inhibited reabsorption of CSF affect CSF flow
flow of CSF is blocked after it exits ventricles
what is the triad of sxs associated with chronic communicating hydrocephalus
dementia
apraxic gait
urinary incontinence
what kind of hydrocephalus may be caused by increased viscosity of CSF
chronic communicating hydrocephalus
what is the underlying condition of chronic communicating hydrocephalus/normal pressure hydrocephalus?
pathologically enlarged ventricles
what is hydrocephalus ex-vacuo
communicating hydrocephalus
compensatory enlargement of cerebral ventricles and subarachnoid spaces
what conditions can cause hydrocephalus ex-vacuo
schizophrenia
brain atrophy (dementia)
post-traumatic brain injury
is ICP altered in hydrocephalus ex-vacuo
no
what causes non-communicating hydrocephalus?
accumulation of CSF secondary to a structural obstruction of flow
what kind of hydrocephalus presents with decreased conciousness, difficulty looking up, papilledema, and cognitive or developmental delays
aqueductal stenosis
what are three causes of aqueductal stenosis
tumor compression
narrow aqueduct
gliosis
