Final answer:
Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain's ventricles, which can cause serious health issues. It is treated by implanting a shunt to drain the excess fluid, and it's crucial to manage the CSF draining rate to avoid complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydrocephalus, often referred to as "water on the brain," is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) of the brain. This can cause increased pressure inside the skull, potentially leading to seizures, cognitive problems, and even death if left untreated. Communicating and noncommunicating are two types of hydrocephalus. Noncommunicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles. On the other hand, communicating hydrocephalus happens when the flow of CSF is not blocked within the ventricles but the reabsorption into the bloodstream is impaired.
One common treatment for hydrocephalus is the implantation of a shunt to drain excess CSF, as noted in Figure 10.8.2, which demonstrates how a tube can empty CSF into the abdominal cavity. Shunts can have complications such as infections or mechanical problems. They require careful management of the CSF draining rate to prevent conditions such as overdraining or underdraining. Certain shunts come with an adjustable pressure valve to help manage this balancing act.
The nervous system and its role in regulating CSF production and removal are crucial in understanding the causes and treatment of hydrocephalus. The human brain contains only about 8.5 tablespoons of CSF, but since it's constantly produced, blockage in any ventricle can lead to significant swelling and damage.