Glossary
Acquired Hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus occurring after birth

Atrium: one of the two upper chambers of the heart

Catheter: a silicone tube used to divert and drain CSF

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): the watery fluid bathing the brain and the spinal cord

Communicating Hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus caused by an overproduction and/or reduced absorption of CSF in the presence of un-obstructed ventricular pathways

Congenital Hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus caused by conditions existing at birth

CSF: see Cerebrospinal fluid

Dementia: a condition of deteriorated mentality characterized by forgetfulness, emotional apathy, and by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life

Gait Disturbance: Unusual and uncontrollable problems with walking

Hydrocephalus: a condition in which an increased amount of CSF exists in the ventricles and along the CSF pathways. This condition may occur when the rate of CSF production exceeds the rate of absorption, or when pathways of CSF flow are blocked. The result is excess fluid and pressure in the skull.

Incontinence: the quality or state of being incontinent; voluntarily unable to retain a bodily discharge (as urine)

Intracranial Pressure: pressure within the skull

Meningitis: an infection of the protective membranes covering the spinal cord

Non-communicating Hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus caused by an obstruction in the ventricles or along the CSF pathway, causing a back-up of fluid into the brain

Peritoneal Cavity: the cavity containing the abdominal organs; the belly

Shunt (n): an implanted system used to direct fluid from one part of the body to another. A shunt usually contains: catheters, valve and a reservoir; (v): to divert fluid from one part of the body to another

Skull: the bony structure surrounding the brain

Urinary Incontinence: the quality or state of being incontinent; voluntarily unable to retain the discharge of urine

Valve: a one way, pressure or flow resistance device used to control the drainage of excess fluid from the brain

Ventricle: one of four cavities found within the brain where CSF can be accessed