cerebrospinal fluid leak in brain after head trauma

Complications may include learning disabilities or developmental and physical disabilities.

Without treatment, hydrocephalus leads to complications. Bleeding in the brain from a stroke or head injury.Central nervous system infections, such as bacterial meningitis or mumps.Other factors that can contribute to hydrocephalus among any age group include: An infection can cause swelling in the brain tissues of an unborn baby. There was an infection in the uterus during pregnancy, such as rubella or syphilis.This is a possible complication of premature birth. Bleeding occurred within the ventricles.The central nervous system developed in a way that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.Any of the following incidents may cause hydrocephalus in newborns: Hydrocephalus may be present at or before birth, known as congenital hydrocephalus. However, developmental or medical problems can contribute to or trigger hydrocephalus. Much of the time, the cause of hydrocephalus is not known. Rarely, cerebrospinal fluid is created more quickly than it can be absorbed. This is often related to inflammation of brain tissues from disease or injury. Less common is a problem with absorbing cerebrospinal fluid. A blockage may happen from one ventricle to another or from the ventricles to other spaces around the brain. Partial blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is the most common cause of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles. Too much cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles can occur for one of the following reasons: This flow maintains a constant pressure within the brain and allows for changes in blood pressure in the brain. Flowing back and forth between the brain cavity and spinal column.Removing waste products of the brain's metabolism.Cushioning the brain to prevent injury.Allowing the relatively heavy brain to float within the skull.

It's absorbed primarily by blood vessels in tissues on the surface of the brain.Ĭerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in brain function by: The fluid eventually flows into spaces around the brain and spinal column. It flows through the ventricles by way of channels. Tissues lining the ventricles of the brain produce cerebrospinal fluid. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. Your brain floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. It's important to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care. More than one condition can cause the problems associated with hydrocephalus. Seek prompt medical attention for other hydrocephalus symptoms in any age group.

Recurrent vomiting with no clear cause.

Seek emergency medical care for infants and toddlers with these symptoms:

Trouble walking, often described as shuffling or the feeling of the feet being stuck.

Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills.

Decline in memory, concentration and other thinking skills that may affect job performance.Īmong adults 60 and older, the more common symptoms of hydrocephalus are:.

Loss of bladder control or needing to urinate often.

Delays or problems with earlier gained skills, such as walking or talking.Ĭommon symptoms in this age group include:.

Loss of bladder control or urinating often.

Problems with muscle tone and strength.Īmong toddlers and older children, symptoms might include: Physical symptoms.

Eyes fixed downward, known as sunsetting of the eyes.

Sleepiness or sluggishness, known as lethargy.

A bulge or tense soft spot on the top of the head.

A rapid increase in the size of an infant's head.

InfantsĬommon symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include: Changes in the head The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary by age.

Cerebrospinal fluid leak in brain after head trauma