Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus (from Greek hydro-, meaning "water", and kephalos, meaning "head") is a rare medical condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This causes increased intracranial pressure inside the skull and may cause progressive enlargement of the head if it occurs in childhood, potentially causing convulsion, tunnel vision, and mental disability. It was once informally called "Water on the brain."

Hydrocephalus can be caused by congenital or acquired factors. Congenital causes include Spina Bifida, Arnold–Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis, Dandy–Walker syndrome, and Vein of Galen malformations. Acquired causes include hemorrhage, meningitis, head trauma, tumors, and cysts.

Two types of hydrocephalus are commonly described non-communicating hydrocephalus and communicating hydrocephalus, although there is evidence that communicating forms can lead to obstruction of CSF flow in many instances.

In non-communicating hydrocephalus, the CSF in the ventricles can not reach the subarachnoid space. This results from obstruction of interventricular foramina, cerebral aqueduct, or the outflow foramina of the fourth ventricle (median and lateral apertures). The most common obstruction is in the cerebral aqueduct. A block at any of these sites leads rapidly to dilatation of one or more ventricles. If the skull is still pliable, as it is in children younger than two years, the head may enlarge.

Hydrocephalus (trilobite)

Hydrocephalus ("water head") is an extinct genus of redlichiid trilobite that was very common during the Middle Cambrian of Eurasia and North America, which lasted from 508 to 497 million years ago. This trilobite is up to 20 cm long and more widely built than others of the time. In comparison to other members of its family, its glabella appears swollen.

Gallery

Hydrocephalus minor from Jince (Czech Republic)

Hydrocephalus minor from Jince (Czech Republic)

Free cheek of H. carens, 33mm between the tips

Free cheek of H. carens, 33mm between the tips

References