The term hydrocephalus is used to describe a disorder that is primarily characterized by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In ancient times, this was known as "water in the brain", however, it is important to note that this substance is not water, but is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of this substance results in an abnormal dilation of the spaces in the brain, which are called ventricles.
This process generates a potentially damaging pressure on the tissues that make up the brain, which leads to an increase in fluid in the cerebral ventricles, which occurs due to the obstruction of the ducts located in the lower part of the brain.
If everything works in perfect order within the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid circulates through narrow spaces, which are known as “ventricles”, and leaves the brain through a small reservoir located at the base of the brain, which is called a "cistern". This liquid is in charge of distributing nutrients to the brain; In addition, it drags waste products from sensitive areas so that they are absorbed into the bloodstream.
On the other hand, if an obstruction occurs in any of the ventricles, the cerebrospinal fluid will accumulate in the brain, which gives way to hydrocephalus. This accumulation can also occur when the choroid plexus generates an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid or also when the bloodstream does not absorb the waste substances adequately.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus can include dizziness, paralysis, vomiting, people cannot coordinate when moving, there may be loss of consciousness, vision at times may become blurred, anal incontinence, among others.
It should be clarified that hydrocephalus is a pathology that can be inherited, but that does not mean that it cannot occur suddenly in anyone, there are data that report that in ages that exceed 60 years, there is an increase in the percentage of affected, the main causes of this being the presence of abscesses in the brain, tumors in the same, infections in the meninges and trauma to the skull.
