Hydrocephalus

             Hydrocephalus is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid, known as CSF, in the brain. CSF is produced in the choroids plexus and it is usually transported through the ventricles in the brain. It is also found outside the brain and in the spinal canal. Hydrocephalus occurs when the CSF is blocked or when there is excess fluid in the brain. This condition causes pressure on the brain that leads to the swelling of the ventricles. The ventricles are then pushed against the skull causing tissues to either be damaged or destroyed.
             Hydrocephalus can be congenital, caused by a birth defect, or acquired, caused by a trauma to the brain. In most instances, heredity is not a factor for acquiring hydrocephalus. Although it mostly occurs in young children, hydrocephalus may be present in adults and the elderly.
             The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending upon the age of the person, when the problem developed, the cause of the condition, and the damage that occurred to the tissues due to the swelling of the ventricles. In infants, the primary sign of hydrocephalus is enlargement of the head. Other symptoms in infants include lethargy (sleepiness), vomiting, decreased mental functions, et cetera. Some symptoms in older children and adults are headaches, vomiting, vision changes, decreased coordination, or mental aberrations such as confusion.
             There is no known cure for hydrocephalus, but the condition can be treated and kept under control. Treatment of hydrocephalus involves the surgical insertion of a shunt, a flexible tube with a one-way valve. To allow the excess CSF to drain back into the bloodstream and to decrease pressure on the brain, the shunt is inserted into the ventricular system of the brain. There are some problems that can occur with shunting such as obstruction of the shunt or an infection. Complications occur with 25% to 60% of all shunt procedures. Antibiotics are used at the sign of an i
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Hydrocephalus. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 08:39, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/10081.html