Description
Hydrocephalus is a disease of the Brain.
An excessive accumulation of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain that causes swelling in the brain is known as Hydrocephalus. It increases pressure in the brain. As a result the cavities of the brain expand and cause damage to the Brain.
Normally there is a fluid known as Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that circulates in the spinal cord and the Brain. Choroid plexus is a group of epidermal cells. These cells are responsible for producing the Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The brain has four ventricles. The Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows through these ventricles and protects the brain. But the excessive accumulation of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may cause Brain damage.
Types of Hydrocephalus
Congenital Hydrocephalus : It occurs at the time of birth. It may be a result of some genetic defect, infection in mother or bleeding in fetus before birth.
Non obstructive Hydrocephalus ( Communicating Hydrocephalus ) : Normally, the Cerebrospinal fluid flows in the ventricles of the Brain. But if the CFS flows out of the ventricles into the spinal canal it is termed as Non obstructive Hydrocephalus.
Obstructive Hydrocephalus ( Non Communicating ) : When there is some obstruction in the ventricles, the CFS do not flow properly. It is considered as Obstructive Hydrocephalus.
Acquired Hydrocephalus : It occurs at the time of child birth. It may be a result of intraventricular hemorrhage, Meningitis, Brain Injury or a Tumor.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus : It is common in people with old age. It may be a result of Dementia, Head Trauma, Internal bleeding in the Brain.
Ex Vacuo Hydrocephalus : Internal Brain injury or Brain Stroke gives rise to Ex Vacuo Hydrocephalus. It causes damage to the Brain and may occur at any age.
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Mumps
Stroke
Herpes
Trauma
Injury
Dementia
Menigitis
Infections
Brain Tumor
Head Injury
Genetic Disorder
Brain Hemorrhage
Congenital Brain Defects
Abnormality in Central Nervous System
If not treated properly, Hydrocephalus may cause
Coma
Death
Paralysis