Hydrocephalus
- Glossary
Arachnoid Villae: Mushroom-like
membranes over the brain, through which CSF is diffused into the bloodstream.
Anesthesiologist: Physician who
administers pain-killing medications during surgery.
Cerebrospinal
Fluid (CSF): Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates around and
protects the brain and spinal cord.
Choroid
Plexus: Specialised tissue within the ventricle of the brain, which produces
CSF.
CT Scan
(computed tomography scan): A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer
reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of the brain.
Cranium: The part of the
skull that holds the brain.
Hydrocephalus: A condition in
which too much CSF accumulates within the ventricles of the brain and increases
intracranial pressure.
Intracranial
Pressure (ICP): The overall pressure inside the skull.
MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging): Diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional
images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather
than x-rays.
Meningitis: An infection or
inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Peritoneal
Cavity: Body cavity in which the abdominal organs are situated.
Shunt: A tube or device
implanted in the body (usually made of Silastic) to redivert excess CSF away
from the brain to another place in the body.
Spina Bifada: A congenital
defect of the spine marked by the absence of a portion of the spine.
Subdural
Hematoma: A collection of blood (clot) trapped under the dura matter, the
outermost membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Ultrasound: The use of
high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.
Valve: Device placed in
a shunt system to regulate the rate and direction of CSF flow.
Ventricle: Cavity inside
the brain, which contains CSF and choroid plexus.
X-ray: Application of
electromagnetic radiation to produce a film or picture of a bone or soft-tissue
area of the body.