A to Z of hydrocephalus
These are some terms that you might hear when talking about hydrocephalus.
A
Acquired hydrocephalus
Acquired hydrocephalus is a type of hydrocephalus that develops after birth, usually as a result of an injury or a medical condition that affects the brain's ability to regulate the production, flow, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Allied Health
Allied Health refers to a group of medical professionals who aren't doctors or nurses, but still play important roles in healthcare. They provide various support services that help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients. Examples include physiotherapists, medical lab technicians, and radiologists.
B
C
Catheter
A silicone tube used to divert and drain CSF.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, protecting them from injury. It carries nutrients to both the brain and spinal cord and takes away waste.
Communicating Hydrocephalus
Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked after it exits the ventricles and is entering the subarachnoid space.
Choroid Plexus
It is a multilobed vascular membrane, projecting into the cerebral ventricles, that secretes cerebrospinal fluid.
Congenital hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus present at birth.
CT-Scan
This is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the brain.
D
E
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy - ETV
ETV is a less invasive surgical procedure than shunt placement to treat hydrocephalus. It's performed by creating a hole in the third ventricle to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. By creating a new pathway for CSF to flow, ETV aims to bypass the obstruction and restore proper fluid circulation.
F
G
H
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocaphalus is a chronic, neurological condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates and builds up in the brain. This condition may occur when the rate of CSF production exceeds the rate of absorption, or when pathways of CSF flow are blocked. The result is excess fluid and pressure in the skull.
I
Intracranial Pressure
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure inside the skull, specifically on the brain. It can affect brain function and health and is usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
J
K
L
M
MRI
MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and other structures in the body.
N
Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgeon is a doctor who specialises in surgery involving the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They perform operations to treat conditions like hydrocephalus, brain tumors, spinal injuries, and nerve disorders.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of hydrocephalus that primarily affects older adults, typically those over the age of 60.
Non-communicating hydrocephalus
Non-communicating hydrocephalus, also known as obstructive hydrocephalus, occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one of or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.
O
P
Pressure settings
Pressure settings refer to the level at which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage devices, such as shunts, are programmed to regulate the flow of fluid from the brain to another part of the body to alleviate the buildup of excess fluid and pressure within the skull. Pressure settings are crucial because they determine when the shunt should activate and when it should stop draining CSF.
Q
R
Reprogramming
The process of non-invasively adjusting the settings of a programmable shunt by using external devices to communicate with the implanted shunt and make adjustments to its settings. Reprogramming is necessary because the needs of individuals with hydrocephalus can change over time. For example, as a person grows, the pressure requirements might change, or other medical conditions might impact CSF dynamics. Reprogramming allows healthcare providers to customise the shunt's performance to match the patient's current needs, optimising the management of hydrocephalus and reducing the risk of complications associated with either too much or too little drainage of CSF.
Revision
Shunt revision involves a surgical procedure where a neurosurgeon accesses the shunt system and makes the necessary adjustments or repairs. This can include replacing damaged components, clearing blockages, addressing infections, or changing the settings. Shunt revisions can be routine maintenance procedures or more complex surgeries, depending on the specific issue.
S
Shunt
An implanted medical device consisting of thin tubes and a valve to control the drainage of excess CSF from the ventricles. A shunt consists of three major components:
- An inflow or proximal catheter, which drains CSF from the lateral ventricles.
- A valve mechanism, which regulates intracranial pressure by controlling fluid flow through the shunt tubing. Valves operate within a specific pressure range.
- An outflow or distal catheter, which runs under the skin and directs CSF from the valve to the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, heart or another suitable drainage site.
T
U
V
Valve
The shunt valve is a small, specialised device within the shunt system that controls the rate and volume of CSF drainage. It's typically placed under the skin, often behind the ear or in the abdominal area, and is connected to a catheter that is inserted into the brain's ventricles to drain the excess fluid. The valve regulates the amount, flow direction, and pressure of cerebrospinal fluid out of the brain’s ventricles.
Ventricle
A hollow space or chamber within the brain that holds cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The brain has four ventricles: two lateral ventricles, a third ventricle, and a fourth ventricle. These ventricles help circulate and distribute CSF, which provides nutrients, removes waste, and cushions the brain from impacts.
Ventriculostomy
Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure where a small hole is made in one of the brain's ventricles to drain excess fluid. This helps relieve pressure in the brain. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter into the ventricle to allow the fluid to drain out, helping to reduce pressure and manage related symptoms.
W
X
Y
Z