What is communicating hydrocephalus caused by?
It is caused by overproduction of CSF (rarely), defective absorption of CSF (most often, includes conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage or meningitis resulting in damage to the arachnoid granulations, where CSF is reabsorbed), or venous drainage insufficiency (occasionally). See the image below.
How is non-communicating hydrocephalus treated?
The most common treatment is the insertion of a shunt. The shunt works by moving fluid from an area where there is too much CSF to an area where it can be absorbed into the body. Some children with non-communicating hydrocephalus can have surgery called an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
Does communicating hydrocephalus go away?
It does not go away on its own and needs special treatment. Hydrocephalus is due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities deep within the brain.
What is non-communicating type of 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 communicative hydrocephalus?
Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This type of hydrocephalus may result from a thickening of the arachnoid around the base of the brain, which blocks the flow of CSF from the spinal to the cortical subarachnoid spaces.
What is non-communicating hydrocephalus?
What can cause non-communicating hydrocephalus?
The most common form of noncommunicating hydrocephalus is obstructive and is caused by intraventricular or extraventricular mass-occupying lesions that disrupt the ventricular anatomy. See the images below. Noncommunicating obstructive hydrocephalus caused by obstruction of the foramina of Luschka and Magendie.
Is communicating hydrocephalus common?
Communicating hydrocephalus (increased fluid in the ventricles of the brain) is a common, but often undiagnosed, problem in individuals with MPS I, MPS II, MPS VI and MPS VII and may be associated with some cortical atrophy (loss of brain cells).
What is noncommunicating hydrocephalus?
Communicating hydrocephalus (also called non-obstructive hydrocephalus) is a form of hydrocephalus which does not arise from a visible blockage in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The symptoms of communicating hydrocephalus are generally indistinguishable from those of any form of hydrocephalus, with a few exceptions.
Can NPH cause death?
Untreated, NPH symptoms will generally worsen and likely lead to death over time. Individuals who are advised not to undergo shunt surgery may see improvements with periodic lumbar punctures and/or other treatments.
What is the survival rate of hydrocephalus?
The mortality rate for hydrocephalus and associated therapy ranges from 0 to 3%. This rate is highly dependent on the duration of follow-up care. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70% at 12 months and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively.