Exam 1 Deck 2 Flashcards
How much CSF is there?
120 mL
CSF is replaced 3x daily
What are some functions of CSF?
Supports and cushions hte brain
Transports nutrients, messengers and waste
Where does CSF come from?
Choroid epithelial cells in the lateral and 4th ventricles
Ependymal cells produce small amount as well
Metabolically active process, using ATP
What is a difference between CSF production and resorption?
Production is an active transport process - requires ATP
Resorption is a pressure-gradient-driven process
(Difference between intracranial pressure and central venous pressure)
What is used as a marker of CSF?
Beta-2 transferrin (or glucose)
What ions are present in greater concentrations in CSF than in blood?
Chloride (Cl), Magnesium (Mg), and Sodium (Na)
Describe the flow of CSF.
Lateral Ventricle - (where it is produced)
Through Foramen of Monro into the 3rd Ventricle
Through Cerebral Aqueduct into the 4th Ventricle
Exits via the Foramina of Luschka (laterally) or Foramen of Magendie (midline)
From here it goes into Subarachnoid space and back via the venous system
Where is CSF resorbed?
Arachnoid granulations in the subarachnoid space
Arachnoid villi function as pressure-dependent one-way valves
What type of molecules (hydrophilic/lipophilic) more readily cross the BBB?
Lipophilic
Where is the BBB not intact?
Hypothalamus - to allow diffusion of hypothalamic hormones
Pineal gland - to allow for pineal secreatins into the general circulation
Choroid plexus - for CSF production purposes, however, they are connected by tight junctions
What is an ependymoma?
Tumor of the ependyma, the lining of the ventricles.
Constitute 5-6% of all glial cell neoplasms, most frequently seen in children younger than 5 years old
What is a hydrocephalus?
Condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricles
Puts pressure on the brain
- in children may cause increased head circumference
- in adults may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, papilledema, palsa, coma, etc
What is a communicating hydrocephalus?
The CSF can travel freely through the ventricular system and into the subarachnoid space, but the movement into the venous system (from the subarachnoid space) is partially or totally blocked.
May be caused by tumor, blood, inflammation, infection, or overproduciton of CSF, or congenital absence of arachnoid villi
A problem with CSF resorption (cannot keep up with CSF production)
In what type of hydrocephalus is the issue with resroption not keeping pace with production?
Communicating
What is the treatment for communicating hydrocephalus?
Shunt placement (usually ventriculo-periotneal)
What is a non-communicating hydrocephalus?
Obstruction somewehre in the ventricular system or subarachnoid space, resulting in the CSF being unable to travel freely from start to finish.
Commonly seen in the interventricular foramen, cerebral aqueduct, caudal portions of 4th ventricle, or foramen of the 4th ventricle.
Can be chronic or more acute
Caused by aqueductal stenosis, tumors, cysts, infection, hemorrage or congenital malformations/conditions
What is the treatment for non-communicating hydrocephalus?
Usually surgical to remove the blocakge
What is Dandy Walker Syndrome?
Example of a genetic cause of non-communicating hydrocephalus
There is expansion of 4th ventricle and posterior fossa and obstruction of foramina of Luschka and Magendie.
Mostly females are affected.
What is a colloid cyst?
A cyst containing gelatinous material in the brain. It is almost always found just posterior to the foramen of Monro in the anterior aspect of the third ventricle, originating from the roof of the ventricle. Because of its location, it can cause obstructive hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure
This can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness and death.
What is the likely result of obstruction of the exit channels of the fourth ventricle, the foramina of Magendie and Luschka?
enlargement of all parts of the ventricular system
What is NPH?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephaly
It is one of the rare preventable and/or reversible causes of dementia
Patients experience a diagnostic triad consisting of urinary problems (frequency, urgency, or incontinence), impaired gait, and rapid progressive dementia (“wet, wobbly, and wacky”)
Treatment is a shunting procedure to reduce CSF pressure and volume.
Sign is that there is normal opening pressure upon lumbar puncture
What is hydrocephalus ex vacuo?
Not a true hydrocephalus, but an atrophy of the brain resulting in ventricles that are relatively larger than normal since there is loss of white matter.
No increase in ICP, no neurological defecits apart from those attributable to atrophy
May follow a stroke or some other cause of brain atrophy
What is pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension)?
Most commonly seen in obese women of child bearing age and in people w/ chronic renal failure
Related to vitamin A toxicity, endocrinopathies, TCN
Increase in ICP with little evidence on CT or MRI
Treatment includes a program of weight loss, medication, and, if needed, shunting (lumboperitoneal) or optic nerve fenestration.
What is the origin of anterior brain circulation?
Common carotid artery