Hydrocephalus
A variety of conditions characterized by an excess of fluid within the cranial vault, subarachnoid space, or both
Occurs because of interference with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow caused by increased fluid production, obstruction within the ventricular system, or defective reabsorption of CSF
Types include:
Noncommunicating hydrocephalus: obstruction within the ventricular system (more common in children)
Communicating hydrocephalus: impaired absorption of CSF (more common in adults)
Possible complications: mental retardation, impaired motor function, vision loss, infection and malnutrition, and death (increased intracranial pressure [ICP])
Causes
Noncommunicating hydrocephalus
Congenital abnormalities in the ventricular system
Mass lesions such as a tumor that compresses one of the structures of the ventricular system
Aqueduct stenosis
Arnold-Chiari malformation
Communicating hydrocephalus
Adhesions from inflammation, such as with meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage
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