Hydrocephalus Flashcards
1
Q
define hydrocephalus
A
excessive volume of CSF in the ventricular system of the brain caused by an imbalance between the CSF and absorption.
2
Q
how can hydrocephalus be divided?
A
- obstructive (communicating)
- non-obstructive (non communicating)
3
Q
what is normal pressure hydrocephalus?
A
- reversible cause of dementia seen in elderly patients
- secondary to reduced CSF absorption at the arachnoid villi
4
Q
what is the epidemiology of hydrocephalus?
A
- it has a bimodal distribution
- young
elderly
5
Q
what are the presenting symptoms of general hydrocephalus?
A
- symptoms from raised ICP
- headache worse in the morning
- headache worse on lying down
- nausea and vomiting
- coma
6
Q
what are the symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
A
- dementia
- gait disturbance
- urinary incontinence
7
Q
what are the signs of hydrocephalus in neonates?
A
- increased head circumference
- sunset sign (failure of the downward gait)
8
Q
what are signs of normal pressure hydrocephalus?
A
- cognitive impairment
- gait apraxia
- hyperreflexia
- urinary incontinence
9
Q
what are the signs of obstructive hydrocephalus?
A
- low GCS
- papilloedema
- 6th nerve palsy
10
Q
what is the gold standard investigation for hydrocephalus?
A
- CT head
- MRI
- CSF
- lumbar puncture
