Symptoms and Treatment of Neurological Conditions

Study Notes

Common symptoms can include headaches, nausea, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties.
In severe cases, the condition can lead to serious complications if untreated.

Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, such as placing a shunt to drain excess fluid.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain.
This buildup can lead to increased intracranial pressure, potentially causing brain swelling and damage.
Hydrocephalus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.

Estimated incidence of hydrocephalus is around 0.5 to 1.0 cases per 1,000 live births.
Congenital hydrocephalus is more common in infants and may be associated with conditions such as spina bifida.
Acquired hydrocephalus is more prevalent in adults, often due to head injury, tumors, or infections.
The incidence can vary based on age, underlying conditions, and geographical location.

Obstruction: The most common cause is a blockage in the normal flow of CSF, either within ventricles or between ventricles and other brain spaces.
Poor absorption: Less common is a problem with the blood vessels' ability to absorb CSF, often due to inflammation from disease or injury.
Overproduction: Rarely, the mechanisms that produce CSF overproduce, exceeding the body's ability to absorb it.

Genetic abnormalities: Certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of hydrocephalus.
Neural tube defects: Conditions like spina bifida or anencephaly can be associated with hydrocephalus.
Intrauterine infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus), can increase the risk.
Brain tumors: Brain tumors present at birth can lead to hydrocephalus.

Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can damage the brain's ability to absorb CSF.
Brain tumors: Tumors that develop after birth can obstruct the flow of CSF.
Infections: Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses can cause inflammation and block CSF flow.
Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain can lead to hydrocephalus.
Surgery or radiation therapy: These treatments can sometimes cause hydrocephalus as a side effect.
Ventricular shunts: Shunts used to treat hydrocephalus can malfunction or become blocked, leading to a recurrence of the condition.

Congenital hydrocephalus: present at birth, often due to genetic factors or developmental disorders, such as spina bifida or aqueductal stenosis.
Acquired hydrocephalus: develops after birth due to injury, infection, or other factors.