INTERNAL HYDROCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Internal hydrocephalus, also known as non-communicating hydrocephalus, is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. This condition occurs when there is a blockage or obstruction in the pathways through which CSF flows, preventing its proper drainage from the brain.
Normally, CSF is produced in the brain and circulates around the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nutrients. However, in cases of internal hydrocephalus, the obstruction in the CSF pathways restricts its flow, resulting in the buildup of fluid in the brain's ventricles. This accumulation can cause an increase in intracranial pressure, leading to various symptoms and potentially damaging brain tissues.
The symptoms of internal hydrocephalus can vary depending on the severity and speed of fluid accumulation. Common signs may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, cognitive impairments, balance and coordination problems, and irritability. Infants may exhibit symptoms such as an enlarged head, bulging fontanelles, seizures, excessive sleepiness, and developmental delays.
Diagnosis of internal hydrocephalus often involves imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans to identify the location and cause of the blockage. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to remove the obstruction and restore normal flow of CSF. This can be achieved through procedures like ventriculostomy, where a small hole is created to bypass the blockage, or the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that diverts excess CSF to another part of the body for absorption.
Early detection and prompt treatment of internal hydrocephalus are crucial to minimize potential complications and optimize patient outcomes. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are often required to ensure the
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H. in which the accumulation of fluid is confined to the ventricles, Whytt's disease, hydranencephaly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERNAL HYDROCEPHALUS
- unternal hydrocephalus
- jnternal hydrocephalus
- knternal hydrocephalus
- onternal hydrocephalus
- 9nternal hydrocephalus
- 8nternal hydrocephalus
- ibternal hydrocephalus
- imternal hydrocephalus
- ijternal hydrocephalus
- ihternal hydrocephalus
- inrernal hydrocephalus
- infernal hydrocephalus
- ingernal hydrocephalus
- inyernal hydrocephalus
- in6ernal hydrocephalus
- in5ernal hydrocephalus
- intwrnal hydrocephalus
- intsrnal hydrocephalus
- intdrnal hydrocephalus
- intrrnal hydrocephalus
Etymology of INTERNAL HYDROCEPHALUS
The word "internal hydrocephalus" can be broken down into two parts, "internal" and "hydrocephalus".
The term "internal" comes from the Latin word "internus", which means "within" or "inside". It is derived from the combination of the preposition "in" meaning "in", and the word "turnus" meaning "inward" or "interior".
"Hydrocephalus" is also derived from Latin. It comes from the combination of the words "hydro" meaning "water" and "cephalus" meaning "head". This term dates back to ancient times when the condition was believed to be caused by an excess of fluids accumulating in the head.
So, when combined, "internal hydrocephalus" refers to a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid inside the ventricles of the brain, leading to an enlarged head.
