Disease or Syndrome
hydrocephalus
hy·dro·ceph·a·lus [ hahy-druh-sef-uh-luhs ]
Subclass of:
Brain Diseases
Etymology:
Greek hydor = water + kephale = head
Also called:
Water on the brain
Definitions related to hydrocephalus:
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A disorder characterized by an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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An enlargement of the ventricles relative to brain tissue.CDISC TerminologyClinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
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Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium which may be a congenital or acquired disorder; hydrocephalus ex-vacuo refers to ventricular dilation that occurs as a result of brain substance loss from cerebral infarction and other conditions.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Hydrocephalus is an active distension of the ventricular system of the brain resulting from inadequate passage of CSF from its point of production within the cerebral ventricles to its point of absorption into the systemic circulation.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain. Hydrocephalus can be congenital, or present at birth. Causes include genetic problems and problems with how the fetus develops. An unusually large head is the main sign of congenital hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can also happen after birth. This is called acquired hydrocephalus. It can occur at any age. Causes can include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors, and bleeding in the brain. Symptoms include Headache; Vomiting and nausea; Blurry vision; Balance problems; Bladder control problems; Thinking and memory problems. Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, causing problems with physical and mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal. With treatment, many people lead normal lives with few limitations. Treatment usually involves surgery to insert a shunt. A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. The shunt moves the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed. Medicine and rehabilitation therapy can also help. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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The abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A disorder characterized by an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
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Hydrocephalus is accumulation of excessive amounts of CSF, causing cerebral ventricular enlargement and/or increased intracranial pressure. Manifestations can include enlarged head, bulging fontanelle, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures. Diagnosis is by ultrasonography in neonates and young infants with an open fontanelle and...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Hydrocephalus can be defined broadly as a disturbance of formation, flow, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that leads to an increase in volume occupied by this fluid in the CNS. This condition also could be termed a hydrodynamic disorder of CSF.WebMD, 2019
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Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Hydrocephalus, accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain, causing progressive enlargement of the head. Normally, CSF continuously circulates through the brain and the spinal cord and is continuously drained into the circulatory system. In hydrocephalus...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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