Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is defined as a disproportionate increase in the amount of CSF within the cranuum, usually in association with a rise in ICP

Physiology and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid

The normal volume of circulating CSF is in the region of 140 ml. The fluid both protects and supports the brain and spinal cord, as well as maintaining homeostasis by acting as a transport medium for transmitters and as a method of removing the end-products of metabolism. CSF is produced by an active process, 80% of it being derived from the choroid plexus and the rest from the parenchyma. The rate of production is between 0.2- 0.4 ml  min with a daily production

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Raised intracranial pressure

Raised intracranial pressure

Physiology of intracranial pressure

Pathophysiology The adult skull may be regarded as a rigid unyielding box con­taining brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. At normal supine pressures of 0.67-2 kPa (5-15 mmHg, 6-18 cm H20). measured from the level of the foramen of Monro these three components maintain volumetric equilibrium. An increase in the volume of any of the components will result in an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) unless there is a

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Central Nerve System Infections

Central Nerve System Infections

Central nervous system infections of interest to neurosurgeons in­clude those that cause focal neurologic deficit due to mass effect, require surgical aspiration or drainage because antibiotic therapy alone is insufficient, cause mechanical instability of the spine, or occur after neurosurgical procedures.

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Congenital Anomalies of Central Nerve System

Congenital Anomalies of Central Nerve System

Dysraphism

Dysraphism describes defects of fusion of the neural tube involving the neural tube itself, or overlying bone or skin. Dysraphism may occur in the spine or the head. Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital abnormalities.

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