What does non-communicating hydrocephalus mean?
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.
How serious is obstructive hydrocephalus?
An excess of pressure on the brain is potentially harmful; thus hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage and even death. However, with appropriate treatment, most patients are able to lead normal lives with few limitations. Obstructive hydrocephalus can occur in patients of any age from infants to the elderly.
How is non-communicating hydrocephalus treated?
The most common treatment is the insertion of a shunt. The shunt works by moving fluid from an area where there is too much CSF to an area where it can be absorbed into the body. Some children with non-communicating hydrocephalus can have surgery called an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
Can obstructive hydrocephalus be cured?
Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations.
What causes non-communicating hydrocephalus?
Non-communicating hydrocephalus happens when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.
What is the recommended treatment for symptomatic non obstructive hydrocephalus?
The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate. One end of the tubing is usually placed in one of the brain’s ventricles.
What is non obstructive hydrocephalus?
Also known as non-obstructive hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This form is called communicating because the CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open.
How is obstructive hydrocephalus treated?
Is ETV better than a shunt?
There are several benefits of an ETV versus a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Compared to a shunt, there are no implanted foreign bodies, fewer incisions and an overall lower long term complication rate. This means there is less discomfort, a lower infection rate, and less time in the hospital.
What causes non communicating hydrocephalus?
Does communicating hydrocephalus go away?
It does not go away on its own and needs special treatment. Hydrocephalus is due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities deep within the brain.
How long can you live with fluid on the brain?
The mortality rate for hydrocephalus and associated therapy ranges from 0 to 3%. This rate is highly dependent on the duration of follow-up care. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70% at 12 months and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively.
What is non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus?
Non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus occurs when the ventricular system is not in continuity with the subarachnoid space. Most often, the site of the blockage in non-communicating hydrocephalus is at the cerebral aqueduct, but rarely can occur at the foramen of Monro, the third ventricle, or the outlet of the fourth ventricle.
What is the difference between NPH and communicating hydrocephalus?
Communicating Hydrocephalus Also known as non-obstructive hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This form is called communicating because the CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Some individuals with non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus can have a surgical procedure called an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This surgery creates an opening to allow CSF to flow in and around the brain as it would do under normal circumstances.
What is obstructive hydrocephalus?
Obstructive hydrocephalus is a term usually used to denote obstructive non-communicating hydrocephalus. It is actually a term that causes confusion as used in the above sense implies that communicating hydrocephalus does not have an obstruction…