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 are 4 types of hydrocephalus?
The four types of hydrocephalus are
communicating, noncommunicating, ex vacuo, and normal pressure
. Diagnosis is typically made by physical examination and medical imaging. Hydrocephalus is typically treated by the surgical placement of a shunt system.
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 the classification of hydrocephalus?
The clinicopathological subtypes are: (1)
primary hydrocephalus
, including communicating or noncomplicated hydrocephalus, aqueductal stenosis, foramen atresia, and others; (2) dysgenetic hydrocephalus, including hydrocephalus with spina bifida, bifid cranium, Dandy–Walker cyst, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, …
Is NPH the same as communicating hydrocephalus?
NPH is
a form of communicating hydrocephalus
and is distinguished from obstructive or noncommunicating hydrocephalus, in which there is a structural blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation within the ventricular system (eg, stenosis of aqueduct of Sylvius).
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.
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.
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
CT scans and MRI scans
are often used in combination to confirm a diagnosis of hydrocephalus present from birth (congenital) and hydrocephalus that develops later in children and adults (acquired). These scan the brain in detail.
Is hydrocephalus a tumor?
Hydrocephalus is a
complex, chronic condition
that can develop for a variety of reasons, sometimes as part of another condition. You can be born with it or acquire it from brain tumors, infections of the brain or a brain injury. It may also develop it as part of the aging process.
What type of disability is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus can cause
loss of motor function
in any part of the body. The disability listing for central nervous system vascular incidents may apply if you have brain damage from the hydrocephalus that caused speech problems or difficulty walking or using your arms and hands.
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 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.
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.
What is the survival rate of hydrocephalus?
The mortality rate for hydrocephalus and associated therapy ranges from
0 to 3%
. This rate is highly dependent on the duration of follow-up care. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70% at 12 months and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively.
How serious is hydrocephalus in adults?
In most cases, hydrocephalus progresses, which means complications, including intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, can occur if it’s not treated. It can also
be life-threatening
. Less severe cases, when treated appropriately, might have few, if any, serious complications.
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
.
