hydrocephalus Flashcards
What is hydrocephalus
Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain
What is obstructive hydrocephalus
Something blocking the ventricular systems
What is communicating hydrocephalus
Block in the absorption system with the arachnoid villi at the venous sinus
What produces CSF
choroid plexus
What is the presentation of Hydrocephalus in older children
Increased ICP
- Papilloedema
- Gait changes
- abducens palsy
What is the presentation of Hydrocephalus in younger children
- Abnormalities in head circumference
- enlarged cranium
- Irratibility
- Full and bulging fontanelle
- abducens nerve palsy - upwards gaze
What is seen on ultrasound in hydrocephalus
Open fontanelles with increased ventricles
What is the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus
Lumbar puncture and lumbar drain when safe to do so
What is the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus
External ventricular drain, endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt are used
What happens in an endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Hole put in the floor of the third ventricle which creates a bypass for the CSF
