CSF and Hydrocephalus Flashcards
Between what vertebrae would you perform a lumbar puncture?
L4-5
Map out the pathway of CSF through the ventricles
!!!!!!!!
What is hydrocephalus?
Increased amounts of intracranial pressure and ventricular dilation due to an excessive amount of CSF accumulation in the ventricles and/or subarachnoid spaces
T/F: Hydrocephalus can be congenital and/or aquired
True
What is hydrocephalus due to? Is it communicating or non-communicating? Is it obstructive or non-obstructive?
1) Overproduction of CSF (rare) -> communicating and non-obstructive
2) Under-absorption of CSF -> communicating and non-obstructive
3) Obstruction of outflow -> non-communicating and obstructrive
What is aqueductal stenosis? Communicating/non-communicating? Obstructive/non-obstructive?
Accumulation of CSF in the lateral and third ventricles due to obstruction; it is non-communicating and obstructive
What are the causes of aqueductal stenosis?
Congenital, most common, can be x-linked; tumor, pineal gland; previous case of meningitis leading to scarring or other infection; inflammation from intrauterine infection
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
CSF fails to drain properly leading to enlarged ventricles and cortical atrophy; it is a form of communicating hydrocephalus
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus caused by? What is the “TRIAD”?
Caused by increased CSF viscosity, altered elasticity of ventricular walls, or impaired CSF absorption
TRIAD: cognitive impairment/confusion (wacky), unsteady, magnetic gait (wobbly), and urinary incontinence (wet)
What is the Dandy-Walker Malformation? Communicating/non-communicating? Obstructive/non-obstructive?
It is a congenital brain malformation where fluid accumulates in the 4th ventricle; it is obstructive and non-communicating
What causes Dandy-Walker malformation?
4th ventricle outlet obstruction (enlarged ventricle) and/or cerebellar hypoplasia, specifically partial or complete agenesis of vermis
What is Chiari II?
Downward displacement of inferior cerebellar vermis and tonsils through the foramen magnum; associated with lumbosacral myelomeningocele; form of non-communicating hydrocephalus; fluid accumulates above 4th ventricle
What are the treatments for Chiari II?
Most common treatment is a shunt that is placed so that fluid can drain to another part of the body; contains a valve that keeps the fluid flowing in the right direction and at the correct speed; most people will need this for the rest of their lives
If a ventricle is proximal to the obstruction/problem, what will happen?
It will enlarge
If all ventricles are enlarged (unless it is a 4th ventricle obstruction), what is the issue, generally?
Absorption issue
