What are the two main types of hydrocephalus?
Communicating and non-communicating hydrocephalus
Communicating hydrocephalus involves CSF flow between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space, while non-communicating hydrocephalus involves a blockage preventing CSF from flowing freely.
What is hydrocephalus ex vacuo?
Enlargement of the brain’s ventricles due to brain tissue loss or atrophy
It occurs without an actual increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.
Which conditions can lead to hydrocephalus ex vacuo?
These disorders cause brain atrophy, which leads to the condition.
What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?
A condition where CSF accumulates in the brain ventricles without significant elevation in CSF pressure
It is commonly seen in individuals aged 60 and older.
What is the hallmark triad of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
These symptoms can mimic other neurodegenerative disorders, making diagnosis challenging.
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
Through imaging techniques
Imaging helps identify the presence of excess cerebrospinal fluid and the condition of the brain’s ventricles.
What are the common treatment options for hydrocephalus?
These treatments aim to relieve pressure and restore normal CSF flow.
What is the importance of early treatment in hydrocephalus?
To prevent complications
Early intervention can reduce the risk of permanent neurological damage.
What are CNS malformations?
The most common congenital anomalies affecting the brain and spinal cord
What is the incidence of CNS anomalies?
1 – 10 per 1000 live births
What is the commonest type of CNS congenital anomaly?
Neural tube defect/Spina bifida (39%)
What is gastrulation?
Conversion of bilaminar to a trilaminar embryonic disc
What does neurulation involve?
Formation of the neural plate and tube
What are the primary brain vesicles formed from the cranial end of the neural tube?
What are the secondary vesicles derived from the prosencephalon?
What factors are associated with the aetiology of CNS congenital malformations?
Name a disorder of neurulation.
Anencephaly
What is myelomeningocele?
Herniation of meninges and spinal cord through a defect in the spine
What are the features of spina bifida occulta?
What is the commonest location for spina bifida?
Lumbar spine
What is a meningocele?
Herniation of meninges with CSF through a spine defect
What is the clinical finding for meningocele?
Midline pedunculated swelling, fluctuates, transilluminates brilliantly
What complications can arise from myelomeningocele?
What is hydrocephalus?
Anomaly of CSF hydrodynamics leading to CSF accumulation in ventricles