About Congenital communicating hydrocephalus
What is Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
Congenital communicating hydrocephalus is a type of hydrocephalus that is present at birth. It is caused by a blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between the ventricles of the brain. This blockage prevents the CSF from draining properly, causing an accumulation of fluid in the ventricles. This can lead to an increase in pressure in the brain, which can cause a variety of neurological symptoms. Treatment typically involves surgically placing a shunt to drain the excess fluid from the brain.
What are the symptoms of Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
The symptoms of Congenital communicating hydrocephalus vary depending on the age of the individual, but may include:
-Headache
-Vomiting
-Nausea
-Vision problems
-Lethargy
-Irritability
-Poor feeding
-Poor weight gain
-Developmental delays
-Seizures
-Abnormal head size
-Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
-Abnormal eye movements
-Abnormal reflexes
-Difficulty walking
-Difficulty with coordination and balance
-Difficulty with speech and language
What are the causes of Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
Congenital communicating hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This blockage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Abnormalities in the structure of the brain, such as a malformation of the ventricles or aqueduct of Sylvius
- Abnormalities in the production of CSF, such as a tumor or cyst
- Abnormalities in the absorption of CSF, such as a blockage in the arachnoid villi
- Infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Genetic disorders, such as hydrocephalus ex-vacuo or aqueductal stenosis
- Trauma, such as a head injury or stroke
- Complications from surgery, such
What are the treatments for Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
1. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: This is the most common treatment for congenital communicating hydrocephalus. A VP shunt is a device that is surgically implanted to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to another area of the body, usually the abdomen.
2. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): This procedure involves creating a hole in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to flow more freely.
3. Stereotactic third ventriculostomy (STV): This procedure is similar to ETV, but it is done using a computer-guided system to create the hole in the third ventricle.
4. Endoscopic choroid plexus cauterization (ECPC): This procedure
What are the risk factors for Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
1. Genetic mutations
2. Maternal infections during pregnancy
3. Premature birth
4. Low birth weight
5. Abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord
6. Exposure to certain medications or toxins during pregnancy
7. Abnormalities of the skull or spine
8. Abnormalities of the ventricles or other parts of the brain
Is there a cure/medications for Congenital communicating hydrocephalus?
Yes, there are treatments available for congenital communicating hydrocephalus. Treatment typically involves the placement of a shunt system, which is a device that diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and into another area of the body, such as the abdomen. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce the amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced.