hydrocephalus

Question 1

Hydrocephalus

Answer 1

Water on the brain

Build up of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling

Question 2

Patho of hydrocephalus

Answer 2

Imbalance between CSF production and absorption resulting in enlarged ventricles and increased ICP, if left untreated can lead to permanent brain damage

Question 3

How does hydrocephalus happen?

Answer 3

Congenital or acquired

• -Secondary to infection, neoplasm, hemorrhage
• • commonly seen with Myelomeningocele– Pulls down on brain, positioning further down into spinal column causes increase pressure

Question 4

additional information regarding hydrocephalus

Answer 4

Usually symptom of underlying brain disorder–tx underlying disease
Most cases birth–>2 years are developmental defects
Prognosis depends upon cause and weather or not brain damage has occurred
Increased risk developmental disabilities, visual problems, memory issues, decrease intelligence

Question 5

s/s infants

Answer 5

Rapid increase in head circumference- bulging fontanelles
Vomiting
Lethargy, irritability
Seizures
Downward deviation of the eyes (sunsetting)

Question 6

s/s adolescents

Answer 6

HA
Vomiting
Papilledema (swelling of optic disc)
blurred/double vision
sunsetting eyes
lethargy
problems w balance

Question 7

Treat hydrocephalus

Answer 7

Either by removal of obstruction or relocating excess CSF
removal of Tumor
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt- drains CSF to abdomen

Question 8

c/o vp shunt

Answer 8

Malfunction

May be r/t growth- need longer cath/replacement

Question 9

s/s VP malfunction

Answer 9

HA
fever 
drowsiness
convulsions
^^ Head circumference
Bulging fontenelles

Question 10

Anterior fontanelles close…

Answer 10

by 18 months, usually 12-14

Question 11

Posterior fontanelles close…

Answer 11

1-2 months