Hydrocephalus and Cerebrospinal Fluids

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Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulating in excess in the brain. Ventricles, which are spaces in the brain, begin growing abnormally large because of the excess fluid. The widening ventricles can cause harmful pressure on brain tissues. Normally, CSF flows freely through the ventricles of the brain, coats the brain and spinal cord, and is reabsorbed by bloodstream. This fluid is constantly produced, so equilibrium between production and absorption is essential for the body. Anything that disrupts the normal absorption or flow of CSF will cause an unhealthy surplus. The pressure caused by an overabundance of CSF against the brain tissue causes hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can be broken down in to different types. Congenital hydrocephalus is a result of genetic abnormalities or various influences during development of the fetus. Acquired hydrocephalus either develops at birth or sometime later in life and is usually the result of an injury or disease. Communicating hydrocephalus happens when CSF flow is blocked after leaving the ventricles, a...

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