PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

PREDISPOSING PRECIPITATING
FACTORS: FACTORS:
-Genetics -Prematurity - Infection
- Age -Hemmorhage – Tumor
CSF forms in the Choroid
- Idiopathic
plexus of the lateral ventricles

CSF flows from the Foramen of

Monro to the third ventricle

Obstruction in the aqueduct of

Sylvius due to incomplete
formation of the lateral and
medial foramina

Dilatation of the third and

lateral ventricles

Obstruction of CSF flow Increased intraventricular

through the ventricular system pressure and dilatation of
pathways proximal to the site
of obstruction

Ventricles enlarge at the

expend of brain parenchyma

Continued enlargement
disrupts the ventricular
lining and then the
underlying white matter
 Increase in water content
due to transpendymal flow
of CSF from elevated Bulging and protrution of
intraventricular and the eyes ; sunset eyes
intracranial pressure

Edematous
parenchyma
becomes spongy

Interhemispheric fissure
become elongated and
thinned out

Expansion of the
skull and thinning Axonal and myelin
and atrophy destruction

Contraction of the
cerebral blood Enlarged head, bulging
volume fontanelle, shiny scalp,
dilated scalp veins

Alteration of
cerebral circulation

Irritability, lethargy,
sleepiness, reduced CSF circulation is
activity, drowsiness altered

Diagnostic
Exams
Level II
CT Scan
Ultasonography
MRI
 NON-
COMMUNICATING
CONGENITAL
HYDROCEPHALUS

Complications may arise after

Surgical Management shunting :

Obstruction
Overdrainage
a.)Ventricular shunting
Infection
b.) Endoscopic Third
Ventriculostomy
And if not treated by the
physician…

IF TREATED:
PROGNOSIS IF UNTREATED:
-Learning disabilities

-Memory deficits -Decompensatory

mechanisms may continue
-Psychological to occur:
deficits

-Motor Skill
disabilities a. Decreased Cerebral
Perfusion
-Vision problems b. Decreased PO2 leading to
Hypoxia
c. Brain Damage
-Hearing difficulties,

-Seizures, and

-Hormonal
imbalances

DEATH