Primary hydrocephalus (praɪˈmɛri haɪdrəʊˈsɛfələs) is a medical condition in which an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain's ventricles, leading to increased pressure and possible brain damage. The spelling of the word "hydrocephalus" comes from the Greek words "hydro-" meaning "water" and "cephalus" meaning "head." The use of the prefix "primary" indicates that this condition is not the result of another underlying medical issue. The correct pronunciation of this term is important for proper diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition.
Primary hydrocephalus, also known as idiopathic or non-communicating hydrocephalus, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. This condition occurs due to an obstruction or blockage within the pathways through which CSF flows inside the brain. Unlike secondary hydrocephalus, primary hydrocephalus is not caused by any underlying medical conditions or injuries.
The primary cause of this condition remains unclear, and it often manifests during early infancy, although it can be diagnosed at any age. Symptoms of primary hydrocephalus may include an enlarged head, bulging fontanelles (soft spots), irritability, poor feeding, seizures, and delayed developmental milestones.
The excessive accumulation of CSF in the ventricles can lead to increased pressure within the cranial cavity, causing potential damage to brain tissue. If left untreated, primary hydrocephalus can result in severe cognitive impairment, motor disabilities, and even life-threatening complications.
The diagnosis of primary hydrocephalus typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, neuroimaging (such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans) to identify the blockage or obstruction, and measuring the pressure of CSF within the brain.
Treatment for primary hydrocephalus generally involves surgical intervention to relieve the buildup of CSF. The most common procedure is the insertion of a shunt, a thin tube that diverts the excess CSF from the brain's ventricles to another part of the body, where it can be absorbed and excreted. In some cases, endoscopic third ventriculostomy may be performed as an alternative surgical option to create a new pathway for CSF drainage within the brain.
Follow-up care, including regular monitoring
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "primary hydrocephalus" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, resulting in the enlargement of the ventricles. The etymology of the word "primary hydrocephalus" can be understood by breaking down its components.
1. Primary: The term "primary" comes from the Latin word "primarius", which means "first" or "chief". In medical terminology, "primary" refers to a condition or disease that is the main or most significant one, as opposed to being secondary to another condition.
2. Hydrocephalus: The term "hydrocephalus" is derived from the Greek words "hudor" meaning "water" and "kephalē" meaning "head". So, "hydrocephalus" translates to "water in the head".