What is extraventricular hydrocephalus?

In extraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus (EVOH) there is an impaired outflow from the subarachnoid space usually at the level of the basal cisterns or arachnoid granulations.

What causes external hydrocephalus?

As most reported cases of external hydrocephalus seem to be idiopathic, various theories regarding the underlying pathophysiology have been presented. The most common theory suggests that external hydrocephalus is caused by immature arachnoid villi not able to absorb the CSF that is produced continuously [14].

Does acetazolamide treat hydrocephalus?

Acetazolamide (ACZ) and furosemide (FUR) treat posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in neonates. Both are diuretics that also appear to decrease secretion of CSF at the level of the choroid plexus. ACZ can be used alone or in conjunction with FUR.

What is non communicating hydrocephalus?

Non-communicating hydrocephalus – also called obstructive hydrocephalus – occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.

What is the best treatment for hydrocephalus?

Shunt system The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate.

Can hydrocephalus be benign?

External hydrocephalus (EH) is a benign clinical entity in which macrocephaly is associated with an increase in volume of the subarachnoid space, especially overlying both frontal lobes, and a normal or only slight increase in volume of the lateral ventricles.

What happens if you have too much cerebrospinal fluid?

Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of brain function problems.

Is there a medicine for hydrocephalus?

There is little use for medication in hydrocephalus. In some acquired cases, as with tumors and infections, resolving the underlying condition will resolve the hydrocephalus, but most patients still require surgical intervention. There are generally two approaches to treating hydrocephalus.

How is external hydrocephalus different from cerebral atrophy?

External hydrocephalus: radiologic spectrum and differentiation from cerebral atrophy External hydrocephalus (EH) is a condition in which infants with rapidly enlarging heads are found to have a CT scan that shows widening of the subarachnoid space with mild or no ventricular dilation.

What does CT scan show for External hydrocephalus?

External hydrocephalus (EH) is a condition in which infants with rapidly enlarging heads are found to have a CT scan that shows widening of the subarachnoid space with mild or no ventricular dilation.

Which is better, shunting or ETV for hydrocephalus?

ETV success varies with age and hydrocephalus etiology. The overall complication rate is 2-15%. Most complications are immediate and minor; in the long term, ETV confers a greater survival advantage than shunting. 10

What are the etiologies of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus?

Hemorrhage, infection, and leptomeningeal spread of tumor are the most common etiologies that result in this type of hydrocephalus. Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus may be the result of subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury.