Hydrocephalus comes from the Greek words: “Hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning head. Hydrocephalus is a chronic, neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles, resulting in pressure on the brain.

What does the word hydrocephalus?

Definition. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the fluid-containing cavities or ventricles of the brain. The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning the head.

Does hydrocephalus affect speech?

How Does Hydrocephalus Affect Communication? Can cause delays in physical and cognitive development if untreated and can lead to death. Expressive language (spoken) is stronger than receptive language (understanding spoken language).

What is another name for hydrocephalus?

Other names for hydrocephalus include "water on the brain", a historical name, and "water baby syndrome".

What are the classification of hydrocephalus?

The considerable items in the classification for hydrocephalus among three subjects—patient, CSF, and treatment—are divided into 10 categories, “Mc HC” category I: onset (age, phase), II: cause, III: underlying lesion, IV: symptomatology, V: pathophysiology 1—CSF circulation, VI: pathophysiology 2—intracranial pressure ...

2-Minute Neuroscience: Hydrocephalus

What are the two types of hydrocephalus?

• Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles. ...
• Congenital hydrocephalus. ...
• Acquired hydrocephalus.

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 are 4 types of hydrocephalus?

• Congenital hydrocephalus , which is present at birth. ...
• Acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or later. ...
• Normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which usually develops in people who are age 55 or older.

What is it called when your head is bigger than your body?

Macrocephaly refers to an overly large head. It's often a symptom of complications or conditions in the brain. There's a standard used to define macrocephaly: The circumference of a person's head is more than two standard deviations above average for their age.

How long does a shunt last?

Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant's shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

What's the correct pronunciation of hydrocephalus?

Also hy·dro·ceph·a·ly [hahy-druh-sef-uh-lee].

Does hydrocephalus cause autism?

Conclusion: The majority of children with hydrocephalus have behavioural problems and many have autism. It is therefore important to assess and understand all the aspects of cognition and behaviour in these children in order to minimise disability and enhance participation for the child.

What is cocktail party speech?

Box 2-2: Cocktail party speech. Many hydrocephalic children have been characterized as hyperverbal with "cocktail party speech." Cocktail party speech is an example of well developed form (well-developed articulation, intonation, and stress patterns) that is used for social interactions but has weak conceptual meaning.

What is the suffix of hydrocephalus?

1. Suffix indicating a cephalic abnormality, e.g., hydrocephalus.

What is a Waterhead baby?

Hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain,” is a condition associated with a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in or around the brain. If left untreated, this can lead to brain tissue stretching, significantly affecting your child's growth and development.

What is the prefix for brain?

Encephalo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “brain.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

What is it called when a baby is born with a big head?

Evaluation of a baby's “big head” is one of the most common referrals made to pediatric neurosurgeons. Macrocephaly refers to a head circumference (the measurement around the widest part of the head) that is greater than the 98th percentile on the growth chart.

What causes a baby to be born with hydrocephalus?

When hydrocephalus is congenital, it may be the result of a condition like spina bifida, where the baby's spine does not form normally, or aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the passage between the third and fourth ventricles in the brain. Hydrocephalus may also be caused by a genetic disorder.

Do autistic babies have large heads?

org's parent organization.) After accounting for sex, height, weight and genetic ancestry, the researchers found that children with autism do tend to have larger heads than their unaffected siblings, but the difference is small: just 2 millimeters on average.

What's the difference between hydrocephalus and intracranial?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic hydrocephalus is associated with dilated ventricles despite a normal intracranial pressure. In idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the ventricles are normal despite an elevated intracranial pressure.

What is the difference between hydrocephalus and NPH?

The differences between NPH and other forms of hydrocephalus is that even though there is a larger than normal amount of CSF, the pressure inside the ventricles remains the same. This buildup of fluid causes symptoms to occur over time.

Is fluid on the brain serious?

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.

Is Ventriculomegaly the same as hydrocephalus?

Ventriculomegaly, also known as hydrocephalus, is a condition in which the CSF-filled structures within the brain become larger than normal. As a result, the large ventricles can inhibit the proper development of the brain.

What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus?

It's thought hydrocephalus present at birth (congenital hydrocephalus) may be the result of a brain defect restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hydrocephalus that develops in adults and children (acquired hydrocephalus) is often caused by an illness or injury that affects the brain.

What is the commonest cause of communicating hydrocephalus?

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.