#hydrocephalus symptoms in adults

[phoenix-is-gross]

Welcome

My name is Phoenix and this is my first blog post.I often feel like my life is really boring, but recently realized that my life is actually pretty bizarre. I hope that by sharing I may help someone, even if it's just one person.

I want to start off with a little about me.I chose the name Phoenix, my last name is Gross, which has been a pain in my butt through my twenty-nine years in this life. I've kind of embraced it at this point, but it can still get annoying because grown-ass adults still laugh about it. The funny thing is that my last name wouldn't have been Gross if my father's father hadn't changed his last name when he joined the military.

I am an AFAB non-binary person, but I don't mind being referred to as female, as I do menstruate and have breasts. I call myself a bigender lesbian because I'm only interested in dating other AFAB individuals. If you want me to get technical I would tell you that I'm pansexual, homoromantic, and demisexual, but that's hella complicated.

I am neurodivergent in pretty much every sense of the word.I have been diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Type 2.Due to my background in psychology, I am fairly certain that I also have Autism and CPTSD. I was never assessed for autism as a child and I wasn't taken to a psychiatrist after my initial trauma, so I will likely never know for sure. I often wonder how my parents missed the signs of my autism and ADHD. I used to line up my toys, which is a sign of autism and I remember my teachers begging my parents to have me assessed for ADHD when I was little because I simply couldn't sit still or stay silent.

I suffer from multiple disabilities, some of which are actually very rare. I have Hydrocephalus, which is a disorder characterized by the build up of excess fluid in the brain. It can cause headaches as well as memory impairments. I have another disorder called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which is a neurological disorder characterized by the growth of tumors on nerve endings. My doctors knew that I have the birthmarks that it causes but I never had any testing because I did not have any of the neurological symptoms, such as developmental disability. I also have a learning disability caused dyscalculia, which affects my mathematical ability and sense of direction. My dyscalculia is probably caused by the NF1 because it is technically a developmental disability.

Lastly, I have a severe traumatic brain injury which was caused by a surgical error when I was seventeen.The TBI caused me to have a stroke, leaving me with a paralyzed left foot and permanent short term memory loss.There is no end to the issues my TBI has caused, but I will get to that on another day.

If you have any questions about any of these disorders, feel free to ask. Keep in mind that inappropriate questions won't be answered

Love,

Phoenix

[diginerve]

What is Hydrocephalus? What is the Main Cause of Hydrocephalus

Medical science is complex, it includes studying topics like diseases, causes, and treatments to help people live healthy lives. One such topic that is crucial to understand in detail is Hydrocephalus. 

So, let’s understand the basics about the subject and then we will discuss how you can grab in-depth information and study resources about the subject.

What is Hydrocephalus? 

Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological disorder where the fluid (Cerebrospinal fluid) builds inside the brain.

Though the Cerebrospinal fluid is already present inside the brain and acts as a caution, the excess can permanently damage the brain. It puts pressure on the skull and squashes surrounding brain tissue, which causes problems with physical and mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal. 

The condition is primarily common in infants or people older than 60. The common symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:

Increase in the size of an infant's head

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

Nausea and vomiting

Sleepiness or sluggishness

Poor eating

Seizures

Eyes fixed downward

Problems with muscle tone and strength.

The following are the more common symptoms of hydrocephalus among adults 60 and older:

Loss of bladder control

Memory loss

Progressive loss of reasoning skills.

Trouble walking

Poor coordination or balance.

Remember: The systems among toddlers, children, and middle-aged adults can differ.

Types of Hydrocephalus 

The following are the different types of Hydrocephalus:

Congenital hydrocephalus: It is caused by a brain malformation or birth defect that causes excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to accumulate in brain cavities, called subarachnoid space.

Acquired hydrocephalus: Usually resulting from a stroke, brain tumour, meningitis, or a severe head injury.

Communicating hydrocephalus: A condition when the flow of CSF is blocked after leaving the ventricles. Because CSF can still flow between the brain’s ventricles, it is also called “communicating.”

Non-communicating hydrocephalus: Also known as obstructive hydrocephalus, this type occurs when the narrow pathways connecting the ventricles become blocked.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus: NPH affects primarily those aged 60 and up. It can arise following a stroke, injury, infection, surgery, or hemorrhage. 

Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: Occurs after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or degenerative disease. In this type, as brain tissue shrinks, the brain's ventricles become larger.

Now that we know the symptoms and types of hydrocephalus, let's dive in to learn about the causes so we can understand the problem better.

What is the Main Cause of Hydrocephalus

There are two distinct cause categories into which hydrocephalus can be classified:

Congenital

Acquired

Congenital hydrocephalus is the result of both genetic and environmental factors working together during foetal development. The following are the main reasons for congenital hydrocephalus:

Spina bifida and other brain and spinal cord (neural tube) defects.

A narrowing of the small passage between the third and fourth ventricles of the brain (aqueductal stenosis).

Complications of premature birth, such as bleeding within ventricles.

Mom has an infection during pregnancy.

On the other hand, Acquired hydrocephalus develops after birth and can affect people of all ages. Below, we have listed the most common causes of acquired hydrocephalus:

Brain or spinal cord tumours

Head trauma

Stroke

Meningitis or other infections of your brain or spinal cord.

After gaining a basic understanding of the subject, let us give you a solution that will help you get more details of the topic: Pediatrics MD Course!

Enroll in an online pediatrics course.

Without the assistance of a professional, it can be challenging to find the study material and understand the basics of the subject. 

That is why Dr. Piyush Gupta designed this course for students preparing for an MD in pediatrics.

The course includes pediatrics video lectures along with other crucial resources. 

So start your journey toward a good hold on the subject, and enroll in the course now!

[sharkvajay]

Hydrocephalus: Too Much Water on the Brain

Hydrocephalus is a treatable cause of chronic confusion in older adults. However, the visit site here treatment itself carries risk, and deciding which cases to treat remains difficult.

It can be surprising to realize that an organ as high-powered and sophisticated as the brain also has a plumbing system. And, as the case with a house's plumbing, the drainage side of the system can get gummed up. But the symptoms are different. When a home's drainage backs up, well... I won't go there. When the brain's drainage system backs up, the brain's owner can become confused, incontinent of urine and unsteady on his or her feet.

The plumbing system in question is that which produces and drains the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Normal CSF looks the same as water from a faucet, but is created from the bloodstream in the choroid plexus tissue within three of the brain's four inner chambers -- the right and left "lateral" ventricles and the midline "fourth" ventricle, but not the interposed, midline "third" ventricle. The CSF percolates through passageways from one ventricle to another, finally emerging through openings at the base of the brain to bathe the outer surfaces of the brain and spinal cord before getting reabsorbed into the bloodstream again. This re-absorption occurs in special collection-nodes in the membranes surrounding the brain. The entire CSF volume of about 150 milliliters or five ounces (about as much as a glass of wine) is produced and reabsorbed four times a day, so the fluid is constantly turning over.

But blockages along the way can interfere with the normal flow of the CSF. For example, when the passageway between the third and fourth ventricles becomes narrowed or choked with sludge, the CSF backs into the lateral and third ventricles. Those ventricles react to the increased pressure by becoming physically dilated or enlarged. In this case, a CT or MRI scan could reveal the location of the blockage by showing expansion of the two lateral and the single third ventricles, but a normal-sized fourth ventricle. Another example of a blockage and its consequences is when the collection-nodes responsible for CSF re-absorption in the brain's overlying membranes (meninges) become clogged. In this case, all four ventricles are upstream from the blockage, and all four of them expand. This, too, is visible on brain scans.

Both cases are examples of hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. The first case is one of "internal" or high-pressure hydrocephalus. The second is called "external" or normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In NPH the pressure is inexplicably normal much of the time, but the term is somewhat misleading because prolonged recordings with pressure-monitors do show intermittent periods of increased pressure.

Hydrocephalus of one kind or another is especially prevalent at the two extremes of the life cycle -- in the very young and the very old -- but can occur at any age. In infancy, hydrocephalus can be caused by malformed brain-tissue. In contrast, adults with hydrocephalus were usually born with normal brain anatomy, but acquired a blockage due to a tumor, injury, bleed or infection. However, many cases of hydrocephalus in adults occur without a history of these preceding illnesses.

CT and MRI scans are sensitive tools in detecting hydrocephalus, particularly when it's striking enough not be confused with ventricular enlargement due to gradual loss of surrounding brain tissue from aging. The main treatment of hydrocephalus is for a surgeon to insert a tube (shunt) into one of the swollen lateral ventricles and provide an alternative pathway for the backed-up CSF to drain. Once the shunt equipment is in place, a piece of hardware about the size of a large button sits outside the hole made in the skull (but inside the skin of the scalp) and redirects the excess CSF through another tube into either a jugular vein in the neck or into the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Thus, the patient can receive either a "VJ" shunt or a "VP" shunt, with the letters designating the locations of the two ends of the shunt.

[iclick-blogs]

Dementia 101

In recent years, more older adults have been experiencing dementia. Let us first define what dementia is so we can understand it more.

Dementia is a condition where you experience a decline in your mental abilities, impacting your daily life. It can lead to difficulties with memory, thinking, and planning. The progression of dementia varies from person to person, with some individuals remaining stable for years, while others may experience a rapid decline. The important point is prevention for dementia and what one can do to manage it. Prevention for dementia can be easily acquired if we do some activities that will be mentioned in this article.

Causes of Dementia

Past studies have explored the causes of this disease. Are you living with Dementia?, Then you need to know the common causes and types of dementia which are:

Alzheimer’s dementia, also referred to as Major Neurocognitive Disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease

Vascular Dementia

Parkinson’s Dementia

Frontotemporal Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia

There are also less common causes of dementia which includes:

Dementia due to multiple etiologies

Dementia due to traumatic brain injury

Dementia due to another medical condition

Dementia due to substance/medication use

Dementia due to HIV infection

Huntington’s dementia

Dementia due to Prion Disease

This was discussed by Dr Rathi Mahendran at our Living with Dementia webinar: “Am I at risk of Dementia?”

Types of Dementia

The types of dementia can be seen below together with their brief description:

Types of dementia & Brief Description

Alzheimer’s dementia

Alzheimer’s dementia has a very gradual progression of cognitive and functional decline. It affects you slowly, possibly over 8 to 10 years.

The Amnestic type involves loss of memory and learning ability.

The non-amnestic type involves loss of vision, spacial awareness, and speech.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia often times happen due to impacted blood vessels in the brain.

Often caused by brain damage from strokes or heart-related issues, and sometimes alongside Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s dementia

Starts with Parkinson’s disease and later leads to Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia

-Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain diseases that affect nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes. Unlike Alzheimer's, it often doesn't involve amyloid plaques, and it can be genetic, with symptoms starting between 40 and 65 years old, lasting around 5 to 10 years on average.

Lewy Body dementia

-Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common progressive dementia, often occurring without a family history. It involves cell damage in the brain's cortex and midbrain, with abnormal structures called Lewy bodies containing a protein called alpha-synuclein, but the exact reason for their accumulation is not yet understood.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a brain disease where brain cells break down.

It is a rare and inherited disease that affects a person’s functional ability.

Those with Huntington’s disease often experience emotional changes, loss of thinking abilities, and uncontrolled movements.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

-In the brain, there are chambers called ventricles that hold fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. Sometimes, too much fluid gathers in these chambers, causing a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

-CJD is a rare and deadly brain disorder that typically starts after age 60, with most patients passing away within a year. It's thought to be caused by abnormal proteins called prions, and while most cases occur randomly, a small percentage can be hereditary, but it's not contagious through the air or casual contact.

Corticobasal degeneration

-Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a brain problem where nerve cells die and certain brain areas shrink. People with CBD have abnormal stuff in their brain cells called tau protein. It slowly gets worse over about 6 to 8 years.

Mild cognitive impairment

-Mild cognitive impairment is when you have some memory and thinking problems, but they don't affect your daily life. It's not a specific disease and can have many different causes, like dementia.

Prevention For Dementia

Now the questions are how can one with dementia be treated and the prevention of dementia. There are two ways in which dementia can be treated but these are mostly considered preventive measures and not cures.

Firstly there is the use of medications. Medications can't completely cure dementia, but they can be used to slow it down a bit. These drugs might make your thinking better, improve your mood, or help you behave in a more positive way.

Secondly, there is one called Palliative care which is for seriously ill people. It's not about curing the illness but making life better in body, mind, and spirit.

The care may include:

Ways to help the person do things on their own and handle daily life for as long as they can.

Medicines can't cure dementia, but they might make thinking better, mood happier, or behaviour calmer.

When you're diagnosed with dementia, it can bring up emotions like anger and fear. To help with these feelings, talk to family, friends, or a dementia counsellor. They can give you support and guidance during this challenging time.

Dementia treatment helps keep the person safe at home with caregiver support. Check-ups every few months to watch their medicine and how they're doing. If necessary, the family might think about a special care place later on. Also there is an opportunity to survive, contact NUS Mind Science Centre to know more about How To Prevent Dementia Singapore!

How to prevent dementia is a common question among old age people. It can be a bit tricky because we don't always know exactly what causes it. But for some people who have dementia linked to strokes, there's a chance to slow down the decline by reducing the risks of heart disease and more strokes in the future. And guess what? These strategies aren't just for them – they can be good for anyone's overall health:.

How To Prevent Dementia Naturally - H3

Stay Active: Moving your body with regular exercise, like walking, swimming, or dancing, can help keep your brain and body in good shape.

Eat Well: A healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins can give your brain and body the fuel they need.

Keep Your Heart Healthy: Since heart health is connected to brain health, try to manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Stay Social: Being around friends and family, and staying engaged with activities you enjoy, can help your brain stay active and sharp.

Challenge Your Brain: Keep your mind busy with puzzles, reading, learning new things, or even playing games.

Get Enough Sleep: A good night's sleep helps your brain and body recover and stay healthy.

Manage Stress: Find ways to relax and reduce stress, like through meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies you enjoy.

Remember, these steps can't guarantee you won't get dementia, but they can help improve your overall well-being and reduce certain risks.

In conclusion, dementia is a complex condition that mainly affects older individuals. While there is no cure, treatments aim to slow it down and improve the well-being of patients and caregivers. Within the broader context of dementia, prevention for dementia plays a crucial role. Particularly in cases related to strokes, understanding how to prevent dementia is vital. Strategies such as staying active, eating well, and taking care of heart health can contribute significantly to this prevention effort. As ongoing research provides hope for better treatments, it further emphasises the importance of enhancing the lives of people with dementia and supporting their caregivers.

[dushyantverma]

DUSHYANT VERMA - WHAT IS HYDROCEPHALUS ?

Dushyant verma - Many people are still not familiar with the medical ailment known as hydrocephalus, which affects thousands of people worldwide. Dushyant verma shillong believe it is critical to raise awareness of this ailment and its causes, symptoms, and potential therapies as an aspiring medical professional. This blog will examine the complexities of hydrocephalus, its effects on sufferers' lives, and developments in the treatment of this disorder.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus, often referred to as "water on the brain," is a neurological disorder characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. CSF is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrition to these vital organs. In a healthy individual, the production and absorption of CSF maintain a delicate balance, but in hydrocephalus, this equilibrium is disrupted, leading to an abnormal buildup of fluid.

Types of Hydrocephalus:

Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth, this type of hydrocephalus may result from genetic abnormalities or certain prenatal infections.

Acquired Hydrocephalus: Developing after birth, this type can be caused by head injuries, tumors, infections, or bleeding in the brain.

Communicating Hydrocephalus: In this type, the flow of CSF is blocked after leaving the ventricles, leading to fluid accumulation.

Non-Communicating (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: This occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked within the ventricular system.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

According to Dushyant verma southern avenue the symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on the age of the affected individual. In infants, symptoms may include an enlarged head, bulging fontanelle (soft spot), vomiting, irritability, and seizures. In older children and adults, symptoms can manifest as headaches, nausea, difficulty walking, vision problems, and cognitive impairments.

To diagnose hydrocephalus, neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans are used to visualize the brain and assess the extent of fluid accumulation. In some cases, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be performed to analyze the CSF.

Treatment Options:

The primary goal of hydrocephalus treatment is to alleviate the pressure on the brain caused by excess CSF. The most common approach involves the surgical insertion of a shunt system. A shunt is a flexible tube that diverts the excess CSF from the brain's ventricles to another part of the body, where it can be absorbed and eliminated. Another surgical option is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), where a small hole is made in the floor of the brain's third ventricle to facilitate CSF drainage.

Living with Hydrocephalus:

Managing hydrocephalus can be a lifelong journey for many individuals. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor the shunt's functioning and address any complications. Patients may also require rehabilitation and therapies to address any physical or cognitive challenges.

Advancements in Hydrocephalus Research:

Medical science has come a long way in understanding and treating hydrocephalus. Researchers and medical professionals, like Dushyant verma maharani bagh, are constantly striving to improve shunt technology, minimize complications, and explore alternative treatment options. Moreover, advancements in prenatal screening have enabled early detection of hydrocephalus, allowing for timely interventions and improved outcomes.

Conclusion: Spreading Awareness and Hope

Hydrocephalus is a complex condition that can significantly impact an individual's life and the lives of their loved ones. As a medical professional, dushyant verma maharani bagh committed to raising awareness about this condition and advocating for ongoing research to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Through increased awareness and support for those affected by hydrocephalus, we can foster hope and make strides towards improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Together, let us create a more compassionate and understanding world for those living with hydrocephalus.

[nursingscience]

CRANIAL nerve: Optic

Function: Sight

Optic Nerve:

The optic nerves relay messages from your eyes to your brain to create visual images. They play a crucial role in your ability to see. Millions of nerve fibers make up each optic nerve. Damage to an optic nerve can lead to vision loss in one or both eyes.

🔹What is the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is composed of millions of nerve fibers that send visual messages to your brain to help you see. You have an optic nerve at the back of each eye that connects directly to your brain.

🔹What is the purpose of the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is critical to your vision. It’s an extension of your central nervous system, which includes your brain and spine.

The optic nerve transmits electrical impulses from your eyes to your brain. Your brain processes this sensory information so that you can see.

🔹Where is the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is the second of 12 cranial nerves. Each eye has its own optic nerve.

The optic nerve:

▪️Starts in the optic disk, a group of cells in retinal tissue at the back of your eye.

▪️Travels through the optic canal (a bony opening) and enters your skull.

▪️Crosses paths with the opposite optic nerve to form an X-shaped structure called the optic chiasm.

▪️Creates upper and lower pathways called the optic radiations (ORs).

▪️The OR pathways carry nerve messages to a part of your brain called the visual cortex. The visual cortex processes sensory information for sight.

🔹What are the optic nerve branches?

Each optic nerve has branches that travel to your brain or join with other fibers. When the two optic nerves cross at the optic chiasm:

Half of the nerve fibers from your left eye continue to the left side of your brain.

Half of your right eye’s nerve fibers connect to the right side of your brain.

The remaining nerve fibers join together. Your brain receives signals from both eyes at the same time to create a cohesive visual image (binocular vision).

🔹What conditions and disorders affect the optic nerves?

These conditions can damage an optic nerve and affect vision:

▪️Glaucoma: Fluid buildup in the front part of your eye puts pressure on the optic nerve. The pressure damages your optic nerve. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults over 60.

▪️Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: Loss of blood flow to the optic nerve causes anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The condition causes sudden vision loss.

▪️Congenital abnormalities: Sometimes babies are born with differences in their optic nerve(s) that may lead to poor vision.

▪️Optic atrophy: Lack of blood to the optic nerve causes it to shrink. Potential causes of optic atrophy include trauma, strokes, hydrocephalus, infections and brain tumors. Some cases are inherited.

▪️Optic nerve coloboma: This inherited condition causes one or both optic nerves to not develop as they should.

▪️Optic nerve drusen: This condition occurs when protein and calcium deposits (drusen) build up on the optic nerve.

▪️Optic nerve gliomas: Gliomas are tumors (growths) on the optic nerve. They’re usually benign (not cancerous). These tumors often affect people who have an inherited condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

▪️Optic nerve meningiomas: These slow-growing tumors are rare and benign, but can lead to severe vision loss.

▪️Optic neuritis: Infections and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis can irritate or inflame the optic nerve, causing optic neuritis.

▪️Papilledema: Pressure around your brain from a traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, meningitis or another problem causes the optic nerve to swell.

▪️Neuromyelitis optica (NMO): Also called Devic's disease, NMO occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord.

🔹What are the signs of optic nerve disorders?

Optic nerve problems cause various symptoms depending on the underlying condition. The symptoms may be temporary or permanent. You may experience:

▪️Color blindness.

▪️Eye pain.

▪️Headaches.

▪️Nausea and vomiting.

▪️Night blindness.

▪️Partial or complete vision loss.

▪️Peripheral (side) vision loss.

▪️Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).

🔹How can I protect my optic nerves?

These steps can help protect your vision:

▪️Get regular eye exams.

▪️Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and a nutritious diet.

▪️Manage conditions that affect vision and nerves, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

▪️Seek help to quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk of optic nerve damage and other vision problems.

▪️Wear sunglasses and eye protection (goggles or safety glasses) when engaged in sports or activities that could affect your eyes.

[dertaglichedan]

Danny Bonaduce undergoing brain surgery after shock health diagnosis

Danny Bonaduce is set to undergo brain surgery after spending a year battling an illness that has left him unable to walk.

“The Partridge Family” star, 63, revealed the surgery news during an interview with TMZ on Friday, saying he was finally diagnosed with hydrocephalus in March following appointments with more than 100 doctors.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain. Symptoms in adults include problems with balance, blurred vision and memory loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“I can’t figure out what caused it, because I’ve done so many stupid things,” Bonaduce self-deprecatingly admitted while speaking to TMZ.

“I took a guitar to the head on a reality show and that hurt and was possibly the cause of all this,” he added.

***Was standing at the Merc table at a concert, waiting for someone to buy something.. I turned to my right and asked the guy if he'd seen this act before? He said "no", but heard it was good. It was Bonaduce. I was like.... "I KNOW you..." But all I could get out was "Have a nice show." He told me he'd moved to Seattle and was doing a radio show.. Cool!

[philiphenkin]

What Exactly Is a Craniotomy?

An operation called a craniotomy enables a surgeon to enter the brain. Typically, this procedure involves removing a flap of skull bone. Craniotomies can be carried out for a variety of ailments. For example, craniotomies may be carried out for hydrocephalus or trigeminal neuralgia. A neurosurgical operation called an orbitozygomatic craniotomy enables doctors to access the cranial base while limiting brain retraction. The two basic versions of this approach involve raising operative angles and expanding the operating area. Except for removing the orbital roof, the surgery is comparable to a traditional craniotomy. In this article, the writers outline a condensed technique and review the procedure's justifications.

In 1982, the orbitozygomatic technique was first explained. Jane and colleagues modified a frontal craniotomy by creating a bone flap, including the orbital roof and the lateral frontal lobe. These modifications made it possible to reach the anterior skull base and orbital floor. A single bone flap is made using the personal approach, which connects three boreholes. A computer-based imaging module and fiducial markers are used in a specific cranial surgery called fragmentary frameless stereotaxy to guide the surgeons. During surgery, the imaging gives the surgeon continuous, "real-time" information and aids in pinpointing the exact position of a lesion. Large brain tumors can be surgically removed using this method with particular success.

The procedure is carried out while the patient is unconscious and requires a minor incision on the scalp. The surgical team uses cameras to record fiducials on the patient's scalp. Before surgery, the patient has a minimal amount of shaving. The skull is then cleansed, and a small aperture is created. An opening about the size of a quarter exposes the dura, and a stereotactic biopsy needle is placed using a neuronavigation device into the desired location.

Recently, my cousin underwent a craniotomy for trigeminal neuralgia, but her symptoms persisted. Despite receiving several treatments, such as nerve blocks, a three-day IV infusion, botox, physical therapy, and natural cures, she has endured persistent pain for more than six months. She has also undergone three successful nerve decompression procedures. She has received various therapies, but sadly, her agony prevents her from working. The face, among other parts of the head, can be impacted by trigeminal neuralgia. It impacts the trigeminal nerve and transmits feeling to the sinus cavities, face, and mouth. Frequently, a particular action, like chewing food or smiling, sets off an episode, which may grow more frequently or last longer.

The degenerative brain condition known as hydrocephalus puts pressure on the brain's tissues. Though it can happen to people of any age, it mainly affects young children and older adults. The symptoms vary from person to person and can include increased intracranial pressure and loss of function. Through a series of tests, doctors can identify whether a patient has hydrocephalus.

Most of the time, patients receiving a craniotomy are laid on a table and given general anesthesia. Additionally, a ventilator-connected breathing tube might be given to them. This will guarantee that the patient gets oxygen during the entire procedure. The head is subsequently secured to the table using a 3-pin skull clamp. The area of skin and muscle around the intended incision line is shaved to a width of 1/4 inch before the procedure.

A surgical procedure called a craniotomy is used to treat childhood epilepsy. A tiny part of the skull must be removed and opened to access the brain, typically the hippocampus. To activate particular regions of the brain, electrodes may also be inserted there. The surgery is typically carried out while the patient is asleep. However, when testing the brain's functionality or pain management, the patient may occasionally be awake during the operation.

An evaluation of the patient by a medical team will come before any epilepsy surgery. The team will then test the proper surgical site and determine whether brain functions are compromised. These examinations can be carried out in a hospital or as an outpatient treatment. A baseline electroencephalogram, for instance, measures electrical activity in the brain when a patient is not having seizures and can help a doctor determine which parts of the brain may be impacted.

Hematoma is a common postoperative complication following craniotomies. This illness is mainly preventable. Postoperative hematoma risk factors have been established in Fukamachi A, Koizumi H, and Nukui H studies. It is yet unknown what causes cerebellar hematoma, though. The hematoma typically forms at the site of operation, though it can also happen in other parts of the brain. After supratentorial craniotomies, a cerebellar hematoma can occasionally develop.

[health24tv]

মাথায় পানি জমার লক্ষণ | মাথায় পানি জমলে করণীয় | মাথায় পানি জমার কারণ | Hydrocephalus Treatment

[mcatmemoranda]

CHIARI MALFORMATION TYPE I

Chiari malformation type I is the most common cause of syringomyelia. It may not cause any symptoms and often goes unrecognized until adolescence or adulthood. Consequently, this form is sometimes referred to as adult Chiari malformation. Chiari malformation type I is usually not associated with other neurological abnormalities, although it can cause neurological symptoms due to compression of the brainstem and spinal cord.

CHIARI MALFORMATION TYPE II

Chiari malformation type II is usually more severe than type I and generally symptoms become apparent during childhood. The severity of Chiari malformation type II can vary greatly. The disorder can potentially cause severe, life-threatening complications during infancy or childhood.

In Chiari malformation type II, cerebellar tissue protrudes all the way into the spinal canal. Affected individuals may have some of the symptoms described above. However, additional findings such as hydrocephalus may also occur. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which accumulation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles causes pressure on the tissues of the brain. Hydrocephalus can cause an abnormally enlarged head (macrocephaly), vomiting, irritability, seizures, and delays in attaining developmental milestones. The specific symptoms associated with hydrocephalus can vary from one child to another.

Chiari malformation type II is almost invariably associated with a form of spina bifida, frequently presenting as myelomeningocele. Spina bifida is a birth defect due to incomplete closure of the posterior spinal cord and bony vertebral arch (lamina). Many cases with this anomaly leave a portion of the spinal cord exposed through the spinal canal, typically forming a sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid, meninges, and portions of the spinal cord and nerves (myelomeningocele). Myelomeningocele can be associated with partial or complete paralysis below the spinal opening, including lack of bladder and bowel control.

Chiari malformation type II can be associated with other significant neurological conditions including complex anomalies of the brain. Chiari malformation type II is sometimes referred to as pediatric Chiari malformation and requires surgical intervention during infancy or early childhood.

CHIARI MALFORMATION TYPE III

Chiari malformation type III is extremely rare and more severe than Chiari malformations types I and II. This form is associated with an encephalocele, a condition in which a portion of the brain and its surrounding membranes (meninges) protrude through a defect in the skull.

Affected individuals have many of the symptoms associated with Chiari malformation type II, but also have additional symptoms. Chiari malformation type III is often associated with debilitating and life-threatening complications in infancy.

CHIARI MALFORMATION TYPE IV

Unlike types I-III, Chiari malformation type IV is not associated with herniation of the brain through the foramen magnum. In this condition, the brain is underdeveloped (hypoplastic) or fails to develop (aplastic). Chiari malformation type IV is the most severe form and is usually fatal during infancy. Because of the lack of cerebellar tonsillar herniation, some researchers do not consider this condition a form of Chiari malformation.

CHIARI MALFORMATION TYPE 0

Researchers have determined that some individuals with a Chiari malformation have minimal or no herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. These individuals often have syringomyelia despite the lack of cerebellar tonsil herniation. Occipital headaches may also occur. Symptoms in these cases are most likely due to abnormalities in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the foramen magnum at the skull base, although there is often no identifiable cause. Individuals with this condition have improved after decompression surgery. The addition of Chiari malformation type 0 as a classification for Chiari malformations is controversial; some physicians believe that, for a diagnosis of a Chiari malformation, tonsillar herniation must be present.

Source: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chiari-malformations/

[health-store-001]

Do you know dementia?

Some people lose their memory when they become old due to many reasons. Their cognitive functions, thinking, remembering and behavioural abilities are lost. This is a mental disease called dementia. There are many reasons for dementia. The most common reason is Alzheimer’s disease and injuries, some disease conditions also cause. Not only among the elders but also rarely can be seen among the young peoples. Some kind of dementias are reversible and some are not. It differs according to the cause.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease; This is the most common type of dementia. About 60 to 80% of dementia is Alzheimer’s dementia. This occurs due to Alzheimer’s disease. This is an irreversible type of dementia. Due to the death of brain cells, destroys memory and thinking skills of the patient and then absent even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Symptoms start from short term memory loss and depressed mood.

Vascular dementia; The second most common dementia. Due to the decrease in blood flow to the brain, this occurs. After the atherosclerotic disease or stroke-like vascular problems, this start. In the early stages, confusion and disorientation can be seen. They appear in slowly or suddenly. They can't keep their concentration for a long period.

Dementia with Lewy bodies; Deposits the proteins on the nerve cells. Then pass the messages through the nerve cells are inhibited. It is a cause for memory loss. They experience visual hallucination. They have sleep pattern disturbances, faintness, tremors, inability to work, weakness like symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease; This dementia type starts in the patient with Parkinson’s disease. Problems with reasoning and judgment, hallucinations, understanding problems, memory impairments, difficult to speak are the symptoms in this type of dementia. These patients gots irritable and angry in most times.

Frontotemporal dementia; This is called also Pick’s disease. A type of young-onset dementia. Family history and mutations in certain genes are the main causes. The common symptoms are disinhibited behaviour, compulsive behaviour, speech problems and forgetting. Affect to frontal parts of the brain.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; This is a very rare type. Only 1 in 1 million people are diagnosed with it every year. The symptoms are the same as other types of dementia. This affects and works quickly to the patient and lead to death within a year after diagnose. This affect patient's body also. can be seen twitching and muscle stiffness.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome; This occurs due to vitamin B deficiency. There is internal bleeding in lower parts of the brain in this disease. Starts to blurred vision and loss of muscle coordination in In Wernicke’s disease. Then stops the physical symptoms of Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff syndrome starts to appear. Korsakoff syndrome patients can't process information, learning new skills, remembering things. Both of these diseases are categorized as one disease. This occurs as a result of malnutrition or chronic infections.  The most common cause of this vitamin deficiency is alcoholism. Korsakoff syndrome is a memory disorder caused by advanced Wernicke’s disease.

Mixed dementia; If one person has many causes of dementia called mixed dementia. Most commonly combined together vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia. There are 45% of dementia patients have mixed dementia. Symptoms are the same as other types. Memory loss and disorientation at first and then the inability to speak and walk are the symptoms.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH); 5% of dementia patients are this type of dementia patients. The extra fluids in the brain’s ventricles are produced excessively. It causes damage to the brain and occurs dementia. Causes for this type of dementia are, Injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumour, previous brain surgeries and some times cause is not known. Symptoms are a poor balance, forgetfulness, changes in mood, depression, frequent, falls, loss of bowel or bladder control. early detections are helped to prevent further damages of the brain.

Huntington’s disease; This occurs due to genetic factors.  Juvenile and adult-onset are the two types. The juvenile dementia is rarer. The symptoms start in childhood or adolescence. The adult form typically first causes symptoms in a person’s 30s or 40s. Premature breakdown of the brain’s nerve cells is the cause. Inability to walking, swallowing, focusing on a task, control problems, speak and learning new things are the symptoms.

Other causes; Other causes of dementia. diseases like multiple sclerosis, HIV cause dementia.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the cause of mental disease. Symptoms differ according to the patient's personality before he becomes ill. There are three types of symptoms.

Early Stage; These are starting to appear just after the onset of the disease. Examples are forgetfulness, losing track of the time and becoming lost in familiar places. In this stage, symptoms can’t be seen clearly.

Middle stage; Patients starts to problems with others. Symptoms start to appear clearly. Forgetful of recent events and people’s names, difficulty with communication, lost at home, missed personal care and experiencing behaviour changes, including wandering and repeated questioning are the symptoms.

Late-stage; In this stage patient's condition become severe and symptoms are seen sharply. Patient depends on others due to loss of memory. Loss of awareness, difficulty recognizing relatives and friends, depend on others, difficult to physical activities and behaviour changes are the main symptoms.

Risk Factors

Age; Aging is the main risk factor. Though ageing is not the cause of the disease, age people are the most affected group. After the 65years old, generally occur. But young-onset dementia occurs before 65 years.

Family history; People with a family history of dementia are more prone to affect dementia. But this is not the cause of all time. Someone having a family history might not affect the disease always.

Down syndrome; When coming to middle age person suffers from Down syndrome, more prone to onset early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Other; Conditions like depression, social isolation, low educational level are additional risk factors for dementia.

Diagnosis of the Dementia

There are several tests do detect dementia. Early detection is important because some types of dementia can be reversible. Basically, a thyroid function test, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or a vitamin deficiency that may relate to cognitive difficulties are doing.

History taking; Patients family history, how to start symptoms, other medical conditions, cognitive and behavioural changes of the patients are assessed. Physical examination; assesses the patient’s physical diseases which may cause to dementia. Neurological test; Assessing balance, sensory response, reflexes, and other cognitive functions.

Treatments of Dementia

Treats according to the cause of the disease. Can treat for the symptoms and causes due to there are no treatments for the disease. By the treatments, can be early detection of the disease, optimize the patient physical health, improve cognition, physical activities, prevent accompanying physical diseases, treating challenging behavioural and psychological symptoms and educate the relations. Treatments are two types as drugs and non-drugs.

Drugs treatments

Cholinesterase inhibitors; improves memory. They improve chemical messengers. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia and Lewy body dementia. Donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine like diseases treated by cholinesterase inhibitors.

Memantine; Regulates the glutamate which chemical messenger that involve in brain functions activity. Glutamate is affected by brain functions. It is given as a combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Other medications; some medications used to treat other symptoms, like depression, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, parkinsonism or agitation. Those drugs are changes according to the symptoms.

Non-drugs Treatments

Occupational therapy; the occupational therapies use to teach the patient how to lives in his environment. patients with dementia live at a risk for mental and physical harm. Occupational therapists teach how to make their home safer and how to reduce accidents. They teach coping behaviours.

Environmental changes; This helps the patient to keep his concentration. Reduces the noise and clutter around the patient. Can reduce accidents by keeping the environment without harmful objects. Naming the equipment and directions also a method that uses help them to decrease the injuries.

Dementia is a progressive disease. The severity of dementia is increasing with time. The duration which takes severity differs from each other. The symptoms in a person may disturb to relations and society. Bu patient is not wrong. Dementia patients are actually innocent and helpless. They need your kindful help.

For more information regarding a mental health or other health topics, search helabeauty.info website.

[dushyantverma]

DUSHYANT VERMA - WHAT IS HYDROCEPHALUS ?

Dushyant verma - Many people are still not familiar with the medical ailment known as hydrocephalus, which affects thousands of people worldwide. Dushyant verma shillong believe it is critical to raise awareness of this ailment and its causes, symptoms, and potential therapies as an aspiring medical professional. This blog will examine the complexities of hydrocephalus, its effects on sufferers' lives, and developments in the treatment of this disorder.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus, often referred to as "water on the brain," is a neurological disorder characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. CSF is a clear, colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nutrition to these vital organs. In a healthy individual, the production and absorption of CSF maintain a delicate balance, but in hydrocephalus, this equilibrium is disrupted, leading to an abnormal buildup of fluid.

Types of Hydrocephalus:

Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth, this type of hydrocephalus may result from genetic abnormalities or certain prenatal infections.

Acquired Hydrocephalus: Developing after birth, this type can be caused by head injuries, tumors, infections, or bleeding in the brain.

Communicating Hydrocephalus: In this type, the flow of CSF is blocked after leaving the ventricles, leading to fluid accumulation.

Non-Communicating (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: This occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked within the ventricular system.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

According to Dushyant verma southern avenue the symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on the age of the affected individual. In infants, symptoms may include an enlarged head, bulging fontanelle (soft spot), vomiting, irritability, and seizures. In older children and adults, symptoms can manifest as headaches, nausea, difficulty walking, vision problems, and cognitive impairments.

To diagnose hydrocephalus, neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans are used to visualize the brain and assess the extent of fluid accumulation. In some cases, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be performed to analyze the CSF.

Treatment Options:

The primary goal of hydrocephalus treatment is to alleviate the pressure on the brain caused by excess CSF. The most common approach involves the surgical insertion of a shunt system. A shunt is a flexible tube that diverts the excess CSF from the brain's ventricles to another part of the body, where it can be absorbed and eliminated. Another surgical option is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), where a small hole is made in the floor of the brain's third ventricle to facilitate CSF drainage.

Living with Hydrocephalus:

Managing hydrocephalus can be a lifelong journey for many individuals. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor the shunt's functioning and address any complications. Patients may also require rehabilitation and therapies to address any physical or cognitive challenges.

Advancements in Hydrocephalus Research:

Medical science has come a long way in understanding and treating hydrocephalus. Researchers and medical professionals, like Dushyant verma maharani bagh, are constantly striving to improve shunt technology, minimize complications, and explore alternative treatment options. Moreover, advancements in prenatal screening have enabled early detection of hydrocephalus, allowing for timely interventions and improved outcomes.

Conclusion: Spreading Awareness and Hope

Hydrocephalus is a complex condition that can significantly impact an individual's life and the lives of their loved ones. As a medical professional, dushyant verma maharani bagh committed to raising awareness about this condition and advocating for ongoing research to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Through increased awareness and support for those affected by hydrocephalus, we can foster hope and make strides towards improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Together, let us create a more compassionate and understanding world for those living with hydrocephalus.

[everythingieverloved]

Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, son of Queen Anne and Prince George of Denmark - Hydrocephalus & Childhood

...Gloucester’s health gave constant cause for concern. To try to minimize the symptoms of hydrocephalus which had afflicted him from an early age he had an “issue in his poll [head] that had been kept running ever since his sickness at Hampton Court.” It was hoped that by permanently keeping open a small incision in the scalp, harmful humors would have an outlet though which they could escape, but hardly surprisingly the treatment proved ineffectual. Fluid continued to accumulate within the child’s cranium, with the result that his head became abnormally large. By 1694 “his hat was big enough for most men” and when the time came to measure him for a wig, it was difficult to find one that fitted him. Consequently he had a strange appearance, as even Anne acknowledged...

Although Gloucester was “active and lively,” the hydrocephalus affected his balance. “He tottered as he walked and could not go up or down stairs without holding the rails.” When he fell over, as often happened, he could not raise himself unaided. Instead of being recognized as a symptom of his illness, his debility was attributed to “the overcare of the ladies” in charge of him...

Presumably because he was worried about topping over, when aged four or five Gloucester refused to move unless adults held his hand on either side. Until then, most unusually for a child of his age, he had never been whipped, for “the Princess, who was the tenderest of mothers, would not let him be roughly handled.” However his refusal to walk on his own was considered a dangerous whim which could not be indulged. First Prince George took the child to task for it, showing him the birch as Anne looked on. As this had no effect, Gloucester was beaten, with the punishment being repeated when he persisted in his “very unaccountable fancy.” After that his will was broken.

To modern sensibilities this is a horrific story, an almost unbearable tale of brutish treatment meted out to a child who was struggling with a challenging physical disability. Before condemning Anne and George, one should, however, place it in context, for corporal punishment for the young was virtually universal at the time. It must be borne in mind that even John Locke, the very embodiment of the early English Enlightenment, argued that small children were animals controllable only by pain and that it was appropriate to inflict physical punishment in moderation before they had developed powers of reasoning.

In other ways Anne was the most solicitous parent. Such was her concern for her son’s welfare that she admitted “’tis impossible to help being alarmed at every little thing.” One of Gloucester’s servants recorded, “If he tottered whenever he walked in her presence, it threw her into a violent perspiration through fear,” and this was far from being her only worry, as the child was delicate in other ways. He suffered from severe fevers in 1693, 1694, and 1695, and on each occasion was subjected to a variety of unpleasant medical treatments...

However, although the hydrocephalus affected his physical stability, in other ways he developed well. He hated dancing, condemning it as girlish, but was reportedly “very quick in learning any manly exercise.” Soldiering obsessed him and he had his own troop of boys that he drilled in Kensington gardens, glowing with pride when the King [William III] and Queen {Mary II] came to see them. As he grew older he rode twice daily and during summer holidays at Windsor developed “a passion for the chase.” Despite doing lessons on his own, he was not cut off from other children... He also liked playing with male children of other members of the household, calling them his Horse Guards.

Though in some cases hydrocephalus causes mental impairment, Gloucester was a promising schoolboy. His tutor was his mother’s chaplain, Samuel Pratt, who taught him his letters and the “use of globes, mathematics and Latin.” In addition he was taught French from an early age. He was an unusual, observant child, who would stay quiet for long periods and then suddenly delight people with his “shrewd comical expressions.” When he was only three, Anne reported how “he sometimes comes out with things that make one laugh.”... He never lost this gift, for in his later years he would sometimes break a long silence with “lively and witty sallies” that convinced a foreign observer that “there was more to this prince than first appeared.”

- “Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion,” Anne Somerset

[neurowellnessin]

The buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain is known as hydrocephalus. The extra fluid expands the ventricles, which exerts pressure on the brain.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus:

The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus differ depending on the age at which it first appears:

·        Infants

In babies, common indications and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

Changes in head:

 A head that is exceptionally big.

A rise in the size of the head in a short period of time.

Fontanel on the top of the head

Physical signs and symptoms:

 Vomiting

Feeding problems

Seizures

Downward looking eyes (sunsetting of the eyes)

Muscle tone and strength deficiencies

Touch sensitivity is poor

Poor growth

Toddlers and older children:

Signs and symptoms in toddlers and older children may include:

Physical signs and symptoms:

 Headache

Double eyesight or hazy     vision

Downward looking yes     (sunsetting of eyes)

A toddler’s head is     abnormally enlarged

Lethargy or sleepiness

Vomiting or nausea

Unstable equilibrium

Coordination issues

Appetite problems

Seizures

Urinary incontinence

Changes in behaviour and cognition:

Irritability

Personality shifts

School performance is declining

Delays or difficulties with previously learned tasks like walking or talking

Young and middle aged adults:

The signs and symptoms for this age group is as follows:

Headache

Lethargy

Urinary incontinence or a frequent urge to urinate

Vision impairment

Memory, focus and other thinking skills decline, which may have an impact on job performance

Older adults:

The following are the most prevalent indicators and symptoms of hydrocephalus in individuals aged 60 and above:

Urinary incontinence or a frequent urge to urinate

Loss of memory

Other thinking or reasoning skills gradually declining

Difficulty in walking, which is typically described as a shuffling stride or a stuck feeling in the feet

Coordination or balance issues

 Neurowellness provides high quality brain and spine care at an inexpensive price. This center is one of the most cost effective and gives high quality treatment choices to the patients.

[crimsonpublisherscancerstudy]

Third Ventricle’s Chordoid Gliomas_Crimson Publishers

Third Ventricle’s Chordoid Gliomas by Behzad Saberi in Novel Approaches in Cancer Study

Chordoid gliomas are low grade tumors which are most commonly seen in women and in the adult population. Clinical signs and symptoms of these tumors are mostly related to hydrocephalus which is obstructive in nature. Headache, nausea, visual disturbances, imbalances in the endocrine system and autonomic dysfunction can be seen in these tumors. MRI with contrast is the best diagnostic imaging method for such tumors. The best treatment method for such tumors would be complete surgical resection. In case of incomplete resection, the prognosis can be poorer in comparison with complete surgical resection.

For more Open Access Journals in Crimson Publishers please click on: https://crimson-publishers.blogspot.com/2019/10/crimson-publishers-impact-factor.html

For more Articles in Novel Approaches in Cancer Study please click on: https://crimsonpublishers.com/nacs/index.php

[usmles1notes]

Children Brain Tumors

Most pediatric CNS tumors develop BELOW the tentorium cerebelli

INFRAtentorial CNS tumors can cause “cerebellar symptoms” (nausea/vomiting, gait problems, ataxia, impaired coordination)

INFRAtentorial tumors can cause obstructive HYDROCEPHALUS (due to obstruction of 4th ventricle)

Risk factors:

Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of CNS tumors

Certain genetic syndromes increase the risk of pediatric CNS tumors (tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis 1)

PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA (named for “hairlike” projections on microscopy) (most common pediatric CNS tumor, almost always occurs in children)

Grade 1 (benign, unlike astrocytomas in adults [higher grade & aggressive])

Frequently contain activating mutations in the BRAF gene → activates abnormal cell growth

Well-circumscribed tumors; contain both solid and cystic components; composed of cells with long “hairlike” processes; long processes of tumor cells contain Rosenthal fibers (EOSINOPHILIC CORSKSCREW-shaped glial filaments)

Stains positive for GFAP (because they are glial tumors)

MEDULLOBLASTOMA (most common pediatric MALIGNANT CNS tumor)

Stain positive for SYNAPtophysin & NEURON specific enolase (because tumor originates from cells that are partially differentiated in the NEURONAL direction)

Can extend into the 4th ventricle (diamond-shaped CSF collection) --> intracranial hypertension (extension into 4th ventricle → obstructive hydrocephalus → ICH)

Some MEDULLOBLASTOMAS contain MYC amplifications

Soft friable tumors with areas of NECROSIS

Composed of sheets of small BLUE cells (due to hyperchromic nuclei and scant cytoplasm)

Homer-Wright ROSETTES (small BLUE cells surrounding acellular pink neuropil)

May produce “DROP metastases” (CSF contains malignant cells, tumor nodules form along spinal cord)

Ependymoma

CNS tumor that arises from cells lining the VENTRICULAR system [ependymal cells]

Most commonly grow from the roof of the 4th ventricle (diamond-shaped CSF collection) --> intracranial hypertension (extension into 4th ventricle → obstructive hydrocephalus → ICH)

In adults & neurofibromatosis type 2, EPENDYMOMAS occur along the SPINAL cord

Well-circumscribed tumors; contain both solid and cystic components; display PERIVASCULAR pseudorosettes (cells form a circle around blood vessels → grow long extensions toward the center); display ependymal rosettes (cancer cells cluster in an attempt to form a ventricle → ring of cells around an empty lumen)

Craniopharyngioma

Benign tumors arising from epithelial remnants of Rathke’s pouch [oral ectoderm that ultimately forms anterior pituitary] (most common SUPRAtentorial pediatric tumor)

Display solid, cystic, and calcified components

Primary CNS GERM cell tumors (extragonadal GERM cell tumors, result from abnormal migration of embryonal cells during development)

Pinealoma

The PINEAL gland is the most common location for CNS germ cell tumors (PINEALOMAS)

Primary CNS germ cell tumors are most commonly GERMINOMAS (similar to testicular SEMINOMAS)

Can cause obstructive HYDROCEPHALUS (due to impingement on cerebral aqueduct)

Can cause intracranial hypertension (due to obstructive hydrocephalus)

Can lead to Parinaud syndrome (vertical gaze palsy syndrome, presents with “setting sun sign”) (due to compression of the tectum & superior colliculi)