What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid is mainly produced in chambers (ventricles) in the brain. It flows through the ventricular system of the brain, bathes the surface of the brain and spinal cord and is subsequently absorbed into the blood stream.
Cerebrospinal fluid has a number of functions that include support and protection of the brain and delivery of nutrients and removal of waste from the brain.
Hydrocephalus results if there is any interruption to the normal flow of CSF. The resulting dilatation (expansion) of the ventricles may lead to compression and damage of brain tissue.
Hydrocephalus can be non – communicating (obstructive) or communicating (non – obstructive). Non – communicating hydrocephalus results from an obstruction within the ventricular system. Communicating hydrocephalus results from a failure of absorption of CSF back into the blood stream. However, there are some causes of hydrocephalus that do not fit precisely into these categories.
Incidence and Prevalence
Hydrocephalus occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 live births.
