Glossary
Glossary of Terms
Here’s a glossary of terms related to Hydrocephalus:
- Hydrocephalus: A condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased pressure and enlargement of the head.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): A clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrients.
- Ventricles: Cavities within the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid.
- Shunt: A surgical device used to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body, typically the abdomen.
- Obstruction: Blockage or constriction that prevents the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Aqueduct of Sylvius: A narrow channel in the brain that connects the third and fourth ventricles, allowing for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Congenital: Present at birth.
- Acquired: Developed or occurring after birth.
- Symptoms: Signs or indications of a disease or condition.
- Enlarged head: Abnormal increase in the size of the head, often a symptom of hydrocephalus in infants.
- Intracranial pressure: Pressure inside the skull.
- Neurological deficits: Impairments in neurological function, such as weakness or loss of sensation.
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: A type of shunt that drains cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity.
- Ventriculostomy: A surgical procedure in which a hole is made in a ventricle to allow for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): A minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat hydrocephalus by creating a new pathway for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Chronic: Persisting over a long period of time.
- Acute: Having a rapid onset and a short duration.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
- Neurosurgeon: A surgeon who specializes in surgery of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
- Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with mental processes such as thinking, learning, and remembering.
- Gait disturbance: Abnormalities in walking or movement.
- Developmental delays: Delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, and walking.
- Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: A condition where there is an enlargement of the brain’s ventricles due to brain tissue loss.
- Lumbar puncture: A procedure in which cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the lower back for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding that occurs inside the skull, which can be a complication of hydrocephalus.