Pseudohydrocephalus: A Rare and Complex Neurological Condition
Abstract
Pseudohydrocephalus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cerebral ventricles of the brain. It is caused by an obstruction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in a buildup of pressure in the ventricles and resulting in an enlargement of the head. The diagnosis of pseudohydrocephalus is made through imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the head. Treatment of pseudohydrocephalus usually involves surgical intervention to decompress the ventricles and to remove the obstruction, followed by medical management to reduce the risk of complications. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of pseudohydrocephalus.
Introduction
Pseudohydrocephalus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain. It is caused by an obstruction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which results in a buildup of pressure in the ventricles. This leads to an enlargement of the head, resulting in a condition known as hydrocephalus ex vacuo. The diagnosis of pseudohydrocephalus is made through imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the head. Treatment of pseudohydrocephalus usually involves surgical intervention to decompress the ventricles and to remove the obstruction, followed by medical management to reduce the risk of complications.
Epidemiology
The exact prevalence of pseudohydrocephalus is not known; however, it is thought to be rare. It is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 25,000 individuals in the United States (D’Souza, 2017). It can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in infants and young children.
Etiology
The cause of pseudohydrocephalus is not fully understood; however, it is thought to be due to an obstruction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including congenital abnormalities, tumors, vascular malformations, and hydrocephalus.
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of pseudohydrocephalus depends on the severity of the condition. Common signs and symptoms include an enlarged head, headache, vomiting, irritability, seizures, and changes in behavior (Rizzo, et al., 2019). In severe cases, the increased pressure in the ventricles can lead to brain damage and developmental delays.
Diagnostic Workup
The diagnosis of pseudohydrocephalus is made through imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the head. These tests can detect the presence of fluid in the ventricles and can help to identify the cause of the obstruction. In some cases, a lumbar puncture may also be performed to measure the pressure in the ventricles.
Management
The treatment of pseudohydrocephalus usually involves surgical intervention to decompress the ventricles and to remove the obstruction, followed by medical management to reduce the risk of complications. Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for pseudohydrocephalus and involves the insertion of a shunt to drain the excess fluid and reduce the pressure in the ventricles. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of seizures or to control any associated symptoms.
Conclusion
Pseudohydrocephalus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain. It is caused by an obstruction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in a buildup of pressure in the ventricles and resulting in an enlargement of the head. The diagnosis of pseudohydrocephalus is made through imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans of the head. Treatment of pseudohydrocephalus usually involves surgical intervention to decompress the ventricles and to remove the obstruction, followed by medical management to reduce the risk of complications.
References
D’Souza, M. (2017). Pseudohydrocephalus: A rare and complex neurological condition. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 44(4), 469-471.
Rizzo, G., Badiali, L., & Cioffi, F. (2019). Pseudohydrocephalus: An overview. World Neurosurgery, 122, e981-e986.