The two major types of hydrocephalus are called communicating hydrocephalus and non-communicating hydrocephalus . Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles.
What is the difference between communicating and Noncommunicating hydrocephalus?
The word “communicating” refers to the fact that CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open. 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 are 4 types of hydrocephalus?
- Congenital hydrocephalus , which is present at birth. ...
- Acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or later. ...
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which usually develops in people who are age 55 or older.
How do you classify hydrocephalus?
- Congenital hydrocephalus , which is present at birth. ...
- Acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or later. ...
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which usually develops in people who are age 55 or older.
What is the difference between hydrocephalus and NPH?
This fluid build-up can harm the brain. The differences between NPH and other forms of hydrocephalus is that even though there is a larger than normal amount of CSF, the pressure inside the ventricles remains the same . This buildup of fluid causes symptoms to occur over time.
Can hydrocephalus go away?
Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured . With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations.
Does hydrocephalus shorten life?
What is the life expectancy of a child who has hydrocephalus? Children often have a full life span if hydrocephalus is caught early and treated. Infants who undergo surgical treatment to reduce the excess fluid in the brain and survive to age 1 will not have a shortened life expectancy due to hydrocephalus .
What is the main cause of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream . Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. It flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels.
What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus?
Possible causes of acquired hydrocephalus include: bleeding inside the brain – for example, if blood leaks over the surface of the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage) blood clots in the brain (venous thrombosis) meningitis – an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Is hydrocephalus considered a disability?
You cannot get disability automatically for hydrocephalus because it is not a specifically listed condition in Social Security’s “blue book” of listed impairments.
How long is hospital stay for shunt surgery?
The actual surgical procedure to implant a shunt typically requires about an hour in the operating room. Afterward, you will be carefully observed for 24 hours. Your stay in the hospital will generally be for two to four days total .
What is the survival rate of hydrocephalus in adults?
Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately, 50% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.
Can a person with hydrocephalus drive?
Hydrocephalus typically affects visual acuity, coordination, judgment, and concentration , all of the skills which are necessary to drive. Just learning how to coordinate between controlling the steering wheel and applying the accelerator or brake can be a daunting task when you have poor motor skills.
How is hydrocephalus treated without surgery?
Hydrocephalus is usually treated by placing an extracranial CSF shunt . Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, however, has been revived recently as a less invasive method for treatment.
What is the best treatment for 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.
Does hydrocephalus hurt?
Sitting up for a while may improve the headache. However, as the condition progresses, headaches may become continuous. Other symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus include: neck pain .
