Hydrocephalus, defined by the ancient Greeks as "water on the brain," has been studied since ancient times. Today, hydrocephalus has been identified as an intricate disease that increases the volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain due to an abnormal absorption rate or an obstruction. Despite intensive research, much remains unknown about hydrocephalus. The variations in its effects, onsets and complications make it difficult to distinguish between the types of hydrocephalus as well as the diseases it mimics. Observation of the tiniest discrepancies is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. (Clayman CB.)
Old age can be affected with many diseases and condition which can include dementia, sleep apnea, and hydrocephalus. The most common cause is congenital, but the condition also may develop as the result of a traumatic head injury, hemorrhage or tumor, or from an infection such as meningitis. When the disease is congenital, the most obvious symptom in a newborn is an abnormally large head. The infant's head continues to grow due to the increasing pressure of cerebrospinal fluid collecting in the skull and expanding the unfused sutures of the head. Other symptoms in a newborn include rigidity of the legs, irritability, inactivity and the absence of normal reflexes. Cerebrospinal fluid is the tissue fluid of the central nervous system. It is formed from the secretions of the choroid plexi, which are networks of capillaries that project from the pia mater into the lateral ventricles and into the roofs of the third and fourth ventricles. (Clayman CB.)
In an individual with hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid enters the two lateral ventricles also known as the first and second ventricles and passes into the third ventricle through an interventricular foramen. The cerebral aqueduct permits the passage of cerebrospinal fluid from the third ventricle to the fourth.( Ballinger PW.)........
