What is Obstructive Hydrocephalus (hydro=water, cephalus=head)?
This is an increase of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. It is caused by a blockage of CSF flow within the parts of the brain. This prevents CSF from getting to areas where it will be reabsorbed. Tumors, cysts, or birth defects can cause this. As CSF collects in the brain, the pressure in the brain rises. This causes symptoms that may vary with age. Symptoms can include: ·Headache · Feeling sleepy ·Vomiting · Blurred or double vision ·Irritability · Increase in infant’s head size ·Decrease in appetite · “Sunset eyes” (eyes which do not look up) Normal CSF Flow Obstructive Hydrocephalus Treatment There are two treatments for this. A VP (ventriculo-peritoneal) shunt can be placed into a ventricle of the brain. A shunt is a narrow piece of tubing. This drains excess CSF to the stomach region. Here it is absorbed by the body. A small hole is made in the skull bone. Tubing is placed through the hole into the brain. A one-way valve is attached to this and placed under the scalp. The
