Paediatric Hydrocephalus Definition

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of CSF is produced by the choroid plexus?

40-60%

80-90%

50-80% (correct)

20-30%

What is the primary site of CSF absorption?

Sagittal sinus (correct)

Choroid plexus

Ependyma

Ventricles

What is the pressure gradient between the CSAS and SSS?

1-3 mm Hg

5-7 mm Hg (correct)

3-5 mm Hg

7-10 mm Hg

What is a common symptom of hydrocephalus in infants?

Large head size Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term effect of hydrocephalus on children with spina bifida?

Difficulty concentrating Signup and view all the answers

What is a common difficulty experienced by individuals with hydrocephalus and spina bifida?

Poor eye-hand coordination Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of hydrocephalus on the eyes?

Vision problems Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic sign of hydrocephalus in infants?

Sunset eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of individuals with short term memory impairment?

Difficulty learning new information Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of hydrocephalus in paediatric patients?

Blockage in the circulation of CSF Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of a blocked shunt?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of executive function impairment in individuals with this condition?

Not thinking before acting, poor planning and organisation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the condition where the lower part of the brain goes further down the spinal cord than usual?

Arnold Chiari Malformation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of altered concept of time in individuals with this condition?

No inclination to hurry Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of CSF?

To provide nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and take away waste products Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold for the cerebral mantle below which treatment is no longer effective?

1 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a management option for this condition?

Surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for hydrocephalus caused by a blockage in the flow of CSF?

Non-communicating hydrocephalus Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of individuals with diminished motivation/initiation?

May sit and wait for instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the classification of hydrocephalus based on the location of the obstruction?

Aetiology-based classification Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of communicating hydrocephalus?

Overproduction of CSF Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the condition where the brain is malformed due to abnormal development?

Holoprosencephaly Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus occurs when there is a blockage in the circulation of CSF from spaces within the brain (ventricles) out over the surface of the brain and down the spinal cord.
When too much CSF gets trapped in the pathway, the ventricles expand and put pressure on the brain.

Aetiology-Based Classification

Primary (Brain Malformation): Dysgenetic (Focal - Aqueductal Stenosis, Global - Holoprosencephaly)
Secondary: Trauma, Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage, Infection, Tumour

Classification

Communicating Hydrocephalus: occurs when more CSF is produced than can be reabsorbed (e.g. meningitis, traumatic brain injury)
Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus: blockage in the flow of CSF (e.g. spina bifida, tumours, meningitis)

CSF

CSF is a clear, colourless fluid that provides nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and takes away waste products.
It acts as a shock absorber between the skull and the brain, and between the spinal cord and the spine.

CSF Production and Absorption

50-80% of CSF is produced by the Choroid Plexus through an energy-dependent process.
20-50% is a by-product of CNS metabolism.
Primary site of absorption is the Sagittal Sinus, through a passive process.

Symptoms

High-pitched cry, poor feeding, vomiting, large head, full and hard fontanelles.
Headache, lethargy, and sunset eyes (where the white of the eye can be seen at the top of the eye).

Signs

Large head size or rapidly growing head.
Full fontanelles ('soft spot') in a baby.
'Sunset eyes' and frontal bossing (the forehead more prominent).

Long-term Effects

Children with spina bifida may have physical problems, learning difficulties, and difficulty concentrating.
Some may have vision problems, epilepsy, headaches, and early onset of puberty.
Fine motor skills may be impaired, affecting drawing and sports.
Short-term memory impairment, short attention span, and diminished motivation/initiation.

Management

Drainage, surgery, and medication.
Third ventriculostomy and shunt management (with potential complications of blocked shunt).

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Description

This quiz covers the definition and explanation of Hydrocephalus, a condition that occurs when there is a blockage in the circulation of CSF from the brain's ventricles. Learn about the effects of trapped CSF on the brain.