What is the circulation of CSF?
Cerebrospinal fluid flow
| Secretion | Choroid plexus (lateral, third and fourth ventricles), interstitial space and dura of the nerve root sleeves |
|---|---|
| Circulation | Lateral ventricle → third ventricle → fourth ventricle → central canal of spinal cord → subarachnoid space |
Where is the CSF mostly circulate?
ventricles
What produces CSF in the brain?
CSF is produced mainly by a structure called the choroid plexus in the lateral, third and fourth ventricles. CSF flows from the lateral ventricle to the third ventricle through the interventricular foramen (also called the foramen of Monro).
What increases CSF production?
The increased CSF production is the result of an increased activity of Na+-K+ ATPase at the choroid plexus level, which establishes a sodium gradient across the choroid epithelial cells, as well as of an elevated CBF (66).
What part of the brain does hydrocephalus affect?
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column.
Can hydrocephalus go away?
Hydrocephalus is a condition of the brain where there is a pressure-induced deterioration of brain functions. It does not go away on its own and needs special treatment.
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 are the side effects of having a shunt?
Shunt infection
- redness and tenderness along the line of the shunt.
- a high temperature.
- headache.
- vomiting.
- neck stiffness.
- tummy pain if the shunt drains into your tummy.
- irritability or sleepiness in babies.
Is brain shunt surgery risky?
Unlike most surgical procedures, in which the risks are highest during the operation itself, most of the common problems associated with shunting can and do occur at a later time. The most common complications with shunting are obstruction, infection, and overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
How long does a brain shunt operation take?
Shunt surgery is done by a specialist in brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeon). It’s done under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You may need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation to recover. If you have stitches, they may dissolve or need to be removed.
Is shunt surgery painful?
During VP shunt surgery, the doctor placed two small tubes (catheters) and a valve under your skin. After surgery, your neck or belly may feel tender. You will probably feel tired, but you should not have much pain.
How is brain shunt surgery done?
The neurosurgeon will make two or three small incisions to place the shunt valve (usually above or behind the ear). The catheter will be tunneled under the skin. The end of the catheter will be carefully placed in the appropriate receiving cavity (usually the abdomen).
How often should a brain shunt be checked?
All younger patients with a shunt should probably be encouraged to seek a neurosurgical check up at least every three years, ideally at a dedicated hydrocephalus follow up clinic.
Can a brain shunt be removed?
Once the shunt has been proven to be unnecessary, it can be removed – typically as an outpatient procedure. Careful long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate for recurrence of hydrocephalus requiring shunt replacement.
What is the life expectancy of someone with hydrocephalus?
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.