Hydrocephalus

Question 1

What type of cells produce CSF?

Answer 1

Ependymal cells

Question 2

Where is CSF produced and which ventricle?

Answer 2

CSF is produced by the choroid plexus and is located in the two lateral ventricles

Question 3

Give 3 causes of communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 3

SAH
Meningitis
Post-op meningitis
Arnold-Chiari syndrome

Question 4

Give 3 causes of non-communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 4

Brain abscess
SOL i.e colloid cyst
Dandy-walker syndrome
Intraventricular haemorrhage
Blood clot in brain
Aqueduct stenosis (due to web)

Question 5

What is the pathophysiology behind communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 5

Impaired reabsorption of CSF in the arachnoid villi

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology behind non-communicating hydrocephalus

Answer 6

Impaired passage of CSF throughout the brain –> obstruction results in build-up of CSF

Question 7

What is a temporary treatment for communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 7

Serial Lumbar punctures

Lumbar drain

Question 8

What is a permanent treatment for communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 8

CSF diversion i.e VP shunt or Ventricular-atrial shunt etc.

Question 9

What is the treatment of non-communicating hydrocephalus?

Answer 9

Remove the obstruction - neurosurgery
CSF diversion
Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy

Question 10

What would you see on CT/MRI for hydrocephalus?

Answer 10

Dilated ventricles