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Definition
Hydrocephalus (Greek: hydro-water, kefale-head) has been variably defined as
an anatomic, radiographic, physiologic or clinical phenomenon. For practical
purposes, hydrocephalus is best thought of as a pathological accumulation of
intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), usually located within the cerebral
ventricles.
Hydrocephalus can be classified as obstructive,
that is, associated with impairment in the circulation or absorption of CSF, or
non-obstructive, that is, a relative
enlargement of the ventricular system and CSF spaces due to a loss of brain (ex
vacuo hydrocephalus). Hydrocephalus may also be congenital or
acquired.
Whereas hydrocephalus is usually a progressive disorder marked by
characteristic symptoms and signs, sometimes the clinical features of
hydrocephalus may stabilize. The term arrested hydrocephalus is used to describe
a condition which is both non-progressive and asymptomatic, while the term
compensated hydrocephalus is used to describe a condition which is
non-progressive, but symptomatic. |
