ACUTE HYDROCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Acute hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by the rapid accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. CSF is a clear liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, and it normally circulates and is reabsorbed at a constant rate. However, in cases of acute hydrocephalus, there is an obstruction or disturbance in the normal flow of CSF, causing its accumulation and subsequent increase in intracranial pressure.
The condition can arise from various causes, including congenital defects, brain tumors, infections (such as meningitis), bleeding in the brain, or traumatic brain injury. The increased intracranial pressure can lead to a range of symptoms, including severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, difficulty walking, cognitive impairment, and, in more severe cases, seizures and unconsciousness.
Immediate medical intervention is necessary to address acute hydrocephalus to prevent potential brain damage or even death. Treatments typically involve inserting a shunt, a thin tube, into the ventricles of the brain to divert the excess CSF to another part of the body, such as the abdomen, where it can be reabsorbed. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction causing the fluid buildup.
It is important to diagnose and treat acute hydrocephalus promptly to minimize complications and improve the patient's chances of recovery. Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals are crucial to managing the condition effectively.
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Basilar (tuberculous) meningitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACUTE HYDROCEPHALUS
- zcute hydrocephalus
- scute hydrocephalus
- wcute hydrocephalus
- qcute hydrocephalus
- axute hydrocephalus
- avute hydrocephalus
- afute hydrocephalus
- adute hydrocephalus
- acyte hydrocephalus
- achte hydrocephalus
- acjte hydrocephalus
- acite hydrocephalus
- ac8te hydrocephalus
- ac7te hydrocephalus
- acure hydrocephalus
- acufe hydrocephalus
- acuge hydrocephalus
- acuye hydrocephalus
- acu6e hydrocephalus
- acu5e hydrocephalus
Etymology of ACUTE HYDROCEPHALUS
The word "acute hydrocephalus" has its etymology rooted in Ancient Greek.
- "Acute" comes from the Greek word "akutos" (ἄκουτος), meaning "sharp" or "sudden".
- "Hydro" comes from the Greek word "hudro" (ὕδρω), meaning "water".
- "Cephalus" is derived from the Greek word "kephalē" (κεφαλή), which means "head".
So, when combined, the term "acute hydrocephalus" refers to a sudden or sharp increase in the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, leading to an abnormal enlargement of the head.
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