What type of disorder is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting pressure on the brain’s tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine.
What is the most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus?
It is caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus are variations ( mutations ) in the L1CAM gene , where there is a narrow passageway between the third and fourth ventricles (aqueductal stenosis).
How is hydrocephalus transmitted?
The cause of hydrocephalus is not known. Very few cases are caused by a birth defect; others can follow hemorrhage, viral infection, or meningitis. A genetic predisposition has been proposed, with transmission through autosomal recessive or X-linked genes.
How do adults get hydrocephalus?
When an injury or illness alters the circulation of CSF, one or more of the ventricles becomes enlarged as CSF accumulates. In an adult, the skull is rigid and cannot expand, so the pressure in the brain may increase profoundly. Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition.
Does weather affect hydrocephalus?
According to the National Hydrocephalus Foundation, the majority of persons with hydrocephalus – and who are shunted – will be affected periodically by an approaching weather system (particularly if it’s an area of low pressure).
Why hydrocephalus patients suffer when the weather changes a new hypothesis?
Hydrocephalus patients complain about symptoms related to weather changes, especially changes in atmospheric pressure (pat). Using conservative assumptions, we found that a change of pat of about 50 hPa will result in a change in ICP of above 1.65 mmHg, which could explain the symptoms patients reported.
Can a shunt cause headaches?
Headache is one of the most common afflictions suffered by humans. Headache in patients with a shunt triggers a series of events that includes utilization of expensive technologies and often potentially dangerous surgical intervention.
How long does shunt surgery take?
Your VP shunt surgery will take place in the operating room while you’re asleep. The surgery will take about 1 hour. Once you’re asleep, the doctor will shave off some hair near the area where they’ll make the incision (surgical cut) on your head.
What causes shunt blockage?
A shunt blockage from blood cells, tissue, or bacteria can occur in any part of the shunt. Both the ventricular catheter (the portion of the tubing placed in the brain) and the distal part of the catheter (the tubing that drains fluid to another part of the body) can become blocked by tissue.