E Hydrocephalus
Definition
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of CSF resulting either from an excessive production or from decreased absorption that leads to an increase in pressure in the ventricles of the brain. The rise in intraventricular pressure causes adjacent brain tissue compression and progressive enlargement of the cranium.
Incidence and prevalence
Hydrocephalus in newborns occurs in three of every 1000 births and is usually secondary to meningomyelocele. Hydrocephalus is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage because of impaired CSF circulation through the basal cistern. It is often a complication of a ruptured brain aneurysm. Hydrocephalus may occur in neonates as a result of obstruction of CSF circulation within the brain’s ventricular system or at a site of reabsorption.
Pathophysiology
Hydrocephalus can be divided into two main types, obstructive and nonobstructive. Obstructive hydrocephalus results from congenital malformation, scar tissue, fibrin deposits after intraventricular hemorrhage or infection, tumors, or cysts. There are three types of obstructive hydrocephalus: obstructive, communicating obstructive, and noncommunicating obstructive.
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