Scribd
Upload
28K views3 pages

Hydrocephalus Pathophysiology

Non-communicating congenital hydrocephalus is caused by obstruction of CSF flow in the ventricular system due to incomplete formation of foramina, leading to increased intraventricular pressure and ventricle dilation. If untreated, this causes the ventricles to enlarge and disrupt surrounding brain tissue, resulting in bulging eyes, enlarged head, and neurological deficits. Surgical treatment via ventricular shunting or endoscopic third ventriculostomy can prevent further brain damage, but complications may still arise. Without treatment, decompensatory mechanisms will continue and ultimately cause brain damage and death.

Uploaded by

jon.lag
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC or read online on Scribd
28K views3 pages

Hydrocephalus Pathophysiology

Non-communicating congenital hydrocephalus is caused by obstruction of CSF flow in the ventricular system due to incomplete formation of foramina, leading to increased intraventricular pressure and ventricle dilation. If untreated, this causes the ventricles to enlarge and disrupt surrounding brain tissue, resulting in bulging eyes, enlarged head, and neurological deficits. Surgical treatment via ventricular shunting or endoscopic third ventriculostomy can prevent further brain damage, but complications may still arise. Without treatment, decompensatory mechanisms will continue and ultimately cause brain damage and death.

Uploaded by

jon.lag
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC or read online on Scribd
  • Pathophysiology Overview
  • Hydrocephalus Effects
  • Management and Prognosis

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

PREDISPOSING PRECIPITATING
FACTORS: FACTORS:
-Genetics -Prematurity - Infection
- Age -Hemmorhage – Tumor
CSF forms in the Choroid
- Idiopathic
plexus of the lateral ventricles

CSF flows from the Foramen of


Monro to the third ventricle

Obstruction in the aqueduct of


Sylvius due to incomplete
formation of the lateral and
medial foramina

Dilatation of the third and


lateral ventricles

Obstruction of CSF flow Increased intraventricular


through the ventricular system pressure and dilatation of
pathways proximal to the site
of obstruction

Ventricles enlarge at the


expend of brain parenchyma

Continued enlargement
disrupts the ventricular
lining and then the
underlying white matter
Increase in water content
due to transpendymal flow
of CSF from elevated Bulging and protrution of
intraventricular and the eyes ; sunset eyes
intracranial pressure

Edematous
parenchyma
becomes spongy

Interhemispheric fissure
become elongated and
thinned out

Expansion of the
skull and thinning Axonal and myelin
and atrophy destruction

Contraction of the
cerebral blood Enlarged head, bulging
volume fontanelle, shiny scalp,
dilated scalp veins

Alteration of
cerebral circulation

Irritability, lethargy,
sleepiness, reduced CSF circulation is
activity, drowsiness altered

Diagnostic
Exams
Level II
CT Scan
Ultasonography
MRI
NON-
COMMUNICATING
CONGENITAL
HYDROCEPHALUS

Complications may arise after


Surgical Management shunting :

Obstruction
Overdrainage
a.)Ventricular shunting
Infection
b.) Endoscopic Third
Ventriculostomy
And if not treated by the
physician…

IF TREATED:
PROGNOSIS IF UNTREATED:
-Learning disabilities

-Memory deficits -Decompensatory


mechanisms may continue
-Psychological to occur:
deficits

-Motor Skill
disabilities a. Decreased Cerebral
Perfusion
-Vision problems b. Decreased PO2 leading to
Hypoxia
c. Brain Damage
-Hearing difficulties,

-Seizures, and

-Hormonal
imbalances

DEATH

You might also like