Hydrocephalus

Question 1

What are the types of hydrocephalus?

Answer 1

Communicating

Non communicating

Question 2

What does communicating hydrocephalus represent a problem with?

Answer 2

Under resorption of CSF or in rare causes, over production of CSF

Question 3

What happens to the ventricular system in communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 3

Uniform dilation

Question 4

What happens to ICP in communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 4

Increase

Question 5

What are the causes of communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 5

Infection
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Post operative
Head trauma

Question 6

How does communicating hydrocephalus usually present?

Answer 6

Normally occurs over time

Can be brought on by a sizeable insult

Question 7

What causes non communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 7

Physical obstruction to the normal flow of CSF before it leaves ventricles

Question 8

What are the causes of non communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 8

Aqueductal stenosis
Tumours/cancers/masses
Cysts
Infection
Haemorrhage/hematoma
Congenital malformations

Question 9

What is the usual presentation of non communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 9

Can be gradual due to masses etc

Can be acute due to bleed etc

Question 10

What are the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants?

Answer 10

Cranial enlargement
Splaying of cranial suture
Irritable, poor feeding
Fontanelles full and bulging
Engorged scalp veins
Abducens nerve palsy
Perinaud's syndrome
Exaggerated reflexes
Respiratory symptoms