Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus – sometimes called “water on the brain” is a condition where the circulation of spinal fluid within the ventricular system is obstructed or interrupted in some fashion. There are many causes for hydrocephalus. In most cases hydrocephalus is treated by a procedure known as a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

The dark areas in the center of the brain are normal size ventricles.

Communicating Hydrocephalus

The cerebrospinal fluid is produced within the ventricular system and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream through specialized veins between the brain and skull. Communicating Hydrocephalus occurs when the fluid reabsorption system fails and the ventricles begin to enlarge.

The ventricles are enlarged compared to the previous image.

Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Obstructive hydrocephalus occurs when one or more of the ventricles become blocked or trapped by obstructions such as a tumor, cyst, or scarring from infection.

The ventricles are enlarged due to a colloid cyst blocking the drainage of the ventriclar fluid (arrow pointing to cyst).

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition seen in elderly patients, who develop a triad of symptoms consisting of dementia, gate disturbance known as ataxia and bladder incontinence. These symptoms typically occur over a relatively short period of time (a few months), and can be successfully treated by a shunting procedure.