22 Questions
What percentage of CSF is produced by the choroid plexus?
50-80%
What is the primary site of CSF absorption?
Sagittal sinus
What is the pressure gradient between the CSAS and SSS?
5-7 mm Hg
What is a common symptom of hydrocephalus in infants?
Large head size
What is a long-term effect of hydrocephalus on children with spina bifida?
Difficulty concentrating
What is a common difficulty experienced by individuals with hydrocephalus and spina bifida?
Poor eye-hand coordination
What is a potential consequence of hydrocephalus on the eyes?
Vision problems
What is a characteristic sign of hydrocephalus in infants?
Sunset eyes
What is a common characteristic of individuals with short term memory impairment?
Difficulty learning new information
What is the main cause of hydrocephalus in paediatric patients?
Blockage in the circulation of CSF
Which of the following is a symptom of a blocked shunt?
All of the above
What is a characteristic of executive function impairment in individuals with this condition?
Not thinking before acting, poor planning and organisation
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
What is a potential consequence of altered concept of time in individuals with this condition?
No inclination to hurry
What is the primary function of CSF?
To provide nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and take away waste products
What is the threshold for the cerebral mantle below which treatment is no longer effective?
1 cm
Which of the following is a management option for this condition?
Surgery
What is the term for hydrocephalus caused by a blockage in the flow of CSF?
Non-communicating hydrocephalus
What is a characteristic of individuals with diminished motivation/initiation?
May sit and wait for instructions
What is the term for the classification of hydrocephalus based on the location of the obstruction?
Aetiology-based classification
What is the primary cause of communicating hydrocephalus?
Overproduction of CSF
What is the term for the condition where the brain is malformed due to abnormal development?
Holoprosencephaly
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).
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.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
