What does non-communicating hydrocephalus mean?

Non-communicating hydrocephalus – also called obstructive hydrocephalus – occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.

What can cause non-communicating hydrocephalus?

The most common form of noncommunicating hydrocephalus is obstructive and is caused by intraventricular or extraventricular mass-occupying lesions that disrupt the ventricular anatomy. See the images below. Noncommunicating obstructive hydrocephalus caused by obstruction of the foramina of Luschka and Magendie.

Is hydrocephalus cerebral edema?

Patients with hydrocephalus or meningitis are examples of those affected by this etiology. The increased pressure, against the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain, drives fluid into the brain parenchyma. The fluid accumulates in the extracellular space of mostly the white matter causing the cerebral edema.

How is non-communicating hydrocephalus treated?

Some individuals with non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus can have a surgical procedure called an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This surgery creates an opening to allow CSF to flow in and around the brain as it would do under normal circumstances. Information you can trust!

Does communicating hydrocephalus go away?

It does not go away on its own and needs special treatment. Hydrocephalus is due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities deep within the brain.

What body systems are affected by hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column.

What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus?

It’s thought hydrocephalus present at birth (congenital hydrocephalus) may be the result of a brain defect restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hydrocephalus that develops in adults and children (acquired hydrocephalus) is often caused by an illness or injury that affects the brain.

What’s brain edema?

Cerebral edema, or brain swelling, is an increase of pressure in your head that may disrupt the blood-brain barrier. It is the body’s way of responding to trauma, stroke, or infection.

How does cerebral edema happen?

Cerebral edema is when fluid builds up around the brain, causing an increase in pressure known as intracranial pressure. Swelling or inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury. Edema refers to swelling due to trapped fluid, and it can happen anywhere in the body.

What is the recommended treatment for symptomatic non obstructive hydrocephalus?

The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate. One end of the tubing is usually placed in one of the brain’s ventricles.

What is the difference between cerebral edema and hydrocephalus?

Cerebral edema is the swelling of the brain due to the accumulation of fluid. Hydrocephalus is the excessive accumulation of CSF within the ventricular system caused by a disturbance of formation, flow or absorption. Cerebral Edema and hydrocephalus are two fairly common conditions encountered in the clinical practice.

What is the difference between communicating and non-communicating hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus with no interruption to the flow of CSF into the subarachnoid space from the ventricular system is called communicating hydrocephalus. If there are such interruptions leading to the accumulation of CSF within the ventricles, it is called the non-communicating hydrocephalus.

What are the Non-neurologic causes of cerebral edema?

  Other non-neurologic causes include hepatitis, Reye syndrome, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, and high altitude cerebral edema. A rare cause of cerebral edema is pseudotumor cerebri. Epidemiology

What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus?

Patient symptoms depend on the rapidity of onset. Acute obstructive hydrocephalus causes sudden rise in the intracranial pressure, which may lead to death, whereas in chronic hydrocephalus there may not be any symptoms. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play important roles in the diagnosis and management of hydrocephalus.