What is hydrocephalus?

What is hydrocephalus?

• A. Decreased CSF production.
• B. Excessive accumulation of CSF leading to ventricular dilation and skull expansion, especially in infants.
• C. Increased CSF absorption.
• D. CSF inflammation.

Answer: (B)

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricular system, resulting from impaired flow or absorption or from obstruction, which causes the ventricles to enlarge. In infants, the skull sutures are still open, so the head can expand as the ventricles dilate, whereas in adults the skull is rigid and increased pressure is the main issue. This description—excess CSF accumulation leading to ventricular dilation and skull expansion, especially in infants—captures both the fluid buildup and the developmental consequence. The other options describe decreased or increased CSF production or inflammation, none of which define hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricular system, resulting from impaired flow or absorption or from obstruction, which causes the ventricles to enlarge. In infants, the skull sutures are still open, so the head can expand as the ventricles dilate, whereas in adults the skull is rigid and increased pressure is the main issue. This description—excess CSF accumulation leading to ventricular dilation and skull expansion, especially in infants—captures both the fluid buildup and the developmental consequence. The other options describe decreased or increased CSF production or inflammation, none of which define hydrocephalus.