Hydrocephalus

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Build up of fluid in the brain

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Main causes

Answer 2

• Idiopathic
• Secondary to
  
  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage
  • Meningitis
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Neurosurgery
  • Brain radiadtion

Question 3

AETIOLOGY

Risk factors

Answer 3

• Age
• Vascular disease

Question 4

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation

Answer 4

• Gait dysfunction
• Cognitive disturbances (months to years after gait)
  
  • Impaired executive function
  • Poor attention and concentration
  • Psychomotor slowing
  • Apathy

Question 5

INVESTIGATIONS

First choice

Answer 5

• MRI brain (best option) or CT head without contrast
• Lumbar puncture

Question 6

MANAGEMENT

General principles

Answer 6

• Ventricular shunting
• Control of CVS risk factors
  
  • Antihypertensives
  • Smoking cessation
  • Statins