what causes fluid in the brain arteries, what is done for this problem and the outcome There are two types of fluid in the brain: blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Blood travels through the veins and arteries that come from the heart.
Increasing blood flow to the brain can be beneficial, but in some cases, can lead to headaches, such as migraines (this is why caffeine, which constricts blood vessels, reduces migraines).Disruption of the blood flow, or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain can lead to hemorrhage or stroke.
The other fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, is made from within the brain by the choroid plexus. This fluid travels through a system of ventricles and a casing that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (this is the fluid that is removed in a spinal tap). Over accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid can lead to a rise in intracranial pressure can lead to problems in brain function, and if serious, unconsciousness and death. This fluid can accumulate if there is a tumor on or around the choroid plexus, a block of the ventricle pathway, or some problem in re-adsorption of the fluid. Shunting is the fastest way to reduce pressure, but removal of the source of the problem (if a tumor is identified) may be necessary.
If the rise in pressure is the result of an infection or head trauma, shunting followed by the appropriate antibiotic or care is usually the treatment. After the pressure is relieved, function should be back to normal. This sounds like some type of hydrocephalus you are referring to. The causes of hydrocephalus are not all well understood. Hydrocephalus may result from genetic inheritance (aqueductal stenosis) or developmental disorders such as those associated with neural tube defects including spina bifida and encephalocele. Other possible causes include complications of premature birth such as intraventricular hemorrhage, diseases such as meningitis, tumors, traumatic head injury, or subarachnoid hemorrhage blocking the exit from the ventricles to the cisterns and eliminating the cisterns themselves. A shunt is inserted to allow for draining excess fluid. The outcome is dependent on factors such as age, health and severity. |
