BIRMINGHAM: 05:30 AM. Just dropped grandson Brantley Bradley, his mom and dad at the front door of Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Brantley has his third surgery of the year this morning. He had to be at hospital by 6 AM.
The doctors are putting a stint in the back of his head where they placed the shunt a few years ago. He has required two shunt adjustment surgeries this year. On a recent scheduled follow up the doctors determined the stints are needed.
Brantley is very calm and at peace this morning as they walked in Children’s Hospital. The doctors said we should be here 2-3 days.
Please keep him in your prayers.
Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. This condition develops when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential damage to brain tissue. Understanding hydrocephalus is essential for patients, families, and caregivers to recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate medical intervention.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid—a clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord—accumulates abnormally within the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles are four connected cavities within the brain that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves multiple critical functions, including cushioning the brain against injury, removing metabolic waste products, and maintaining proper intracranial pressure.
When the balance between CSF production and absorption becomes disrupted, fluid builds up within the ventricles. This accumulation increases intracranial pressure, which can compress brain tissue and lead to various neurological symptoms. The severity and progression of hydrocephalus depend on how quickly fluid accumulates and the underlying cause of the condition.
Types of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is classified into two main types based on the location of the cerebrospinal fluid obstruction:
Communicating Hydrocephalus
Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked after it exits the ventricles. In this type, the fluid can circulate between the ventricles but cannot be properly absorbed in the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This typically results from impaired absorption of CSF rather than an anatomical blockage within the ventricular system.
Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus
Non-communicating hydrocephalus, also known as obstructive hydrocephalus, occurs when cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked within or along the narrow passages connecting the brain’s ventricles. This blockage prevents fluid from freely circulating between different ventricular chambers, causing fluid accumulation upstream of the obstruction.
