New research challenges the long-standing idea that hydrocephalus is mainly caused by poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. A team at Stony Brook Medicine suggests instead that the brain cannot absorb the pulsatile energy from the heartbeat. They say a brain system called the cerebral windkessel normally removes heartbeat pulses so blood flow in capillaries is smooth.
The researchers used an electrical circuit model to study how pulses move in CSF and how an obstruction can cause hydrocephalus. The condition can affect people of any age and has many causes, such as birth problems, bleeding, head injury, tumors, and a form in older adults. Treatment is usually surgery with a CSF shunt, but shunts often malfunction and need repeat operations.
Difficult words
- hydrocephalus — a condition with too much fluid in the brain
- cerebrospinal fluid — clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spine
- pulsatile — having a regular strong beat or pulse
- cerebral windkessel — brain system that reduces heartbeat pulses in blood
- capillary — very small blood vessel that connects arteries and veinscapillaries
- obstruction — something that blocks movement or flow
- shunt — a device that moves fluid to another placeshunts
- malfunction — to fail to work correctly or stop working
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which causes of hydrocephalus are mentioned in the article?
- Why might people need repeat operations after a shunt is placed?
- How can a simple model help researchers study pulses in the brain and CSF?
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