Influence of atrophic hydrocephalus on subarachnoid space

Hydrocephalus in medical practice is characterized as a dropsy in the brain. This condition indicates excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral cavity.

Normally, there is a continuous circulation of the CSF. The substance in the spinal cord and brain is washed on all sides by a transparent colorless liquid, which has various properties, the main of which are protection and provision of additional nutrition. External circulation of cerebrospinal fluid occurs between the vascular and soft membranes throughout the entire surface of the hemispheres and the cerebellum. This surface is called the subarachnoid space. In the cranial base under the brain are several more areas of fluid accumulation. They are called cisterns. These areas, connecting with each other in different directions, form a cerebral subarachnoidal space in the brain and connect to a similar surface in the spinal cord.

The latter does not provide a system of channels andprotective trophic system of cells. Subarachnoid space in the spinal cord behind the posterior roots has a dense skeleton consisting of fibrous fibers intertwined with each other. It should be noted that there are plexuses only here. The lateral subarachnoid space of the formations between the dentate ligament and the posterior rootlets does not. Front between the soft and arachnoid shells there are collagen beams, which do not create obstacles for the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Atrophic hydrocephalus is neglectedtrauma by a passive process of replacing the substance of the brain, decreasing in volume, with cerebrospinal fluid. The condition is characterized by a simultaneous and, as a rule, a symmetrical increase in the ventricles. At the same time, basal cisterns and subarachnoidal convective spaces are enlarged in the absence of periventricular edema.

The basis of atrophic hydrocephalus liesdiffuse process of atrophic nature. Demyelination caused by primary brain damage leads to a decrease in both gray and white matter.

The first manifestations of atrophic hydrocephalus canto appear after the expiration of two or four weeks after CCT (craniocerebral trauma). In the subsequent there is either a prolonged progression of the process, or its stopping.

Specialists classify a mild, moderate or severe form of the disease.

In the first case, a moderate cerebralatrophy, in which there is a slight expansion in subarachnoid grooves and cracks - one or two millimeters, as well as in the ventricular system.

The average degree of disease is moresignificant changes - an expansion in the subarachnoid grooves and cracks by three to four millimeters. In addition, there may be a widespread decrease in density in the brain tissue of a moderate nature.

The severe degree of ailment is significantexpansion in the ventricular system (CRI more than 20.0), in subarachnoid grooves and crevices - more than four millimeters. In addition, there is a generalized decrease in density in the brain tissue.

It should be noted that the morphological severity and clinical manifestations of atrophic hydrocephalus are not parallel.

Accurate diagnosis is carried out withusing CT and MRI. Simultaneous and symmetrical expansion of the subarachnoid space in combination with an increase in the cerebral ventricles, absence of periventricular edema, no doubt, speak in favor of atrophic hydrocephalus.

In the early stages of the development of the disease, it is often possible to form a sufficient and stable compensation of the patient's condition. However, at a stage of the disease that has gone far, the prognosis is very unfavorable.