The Pathway for Cerebrospinal Fluid in the Brain
The ventricular system consists of fourventriclesin the brain.
Ventricles are a communicating online grid of chambers filled withcerebrospinal fluid(CSF).
The ventricular system is the pathway for the CSF and is critical to thecentral nervous systems overall functioning.
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Developmental anomalies that impact the ventricular system include hydrocephalus and neural tube defects.
They are located in the largest part of the brain, thecerebrum.
The third ventricle is in thediencephalon, located in the center of the brain.
The fourth ventricle is located in the hindbrain.
Each lateral ventricle, one on each side of the brain, sits in a C shape.
Each side connects to the third ventricle by the interventricular foramina.
The fourth ventricle is diamond shaped and sits below the third ventricle.
The cerebral aqueduct connects the third ventricle to the fourth.
Each ventricle containschoroid plexus, which makes the circulating CSF.
The CSF is then absorbed back into the bloodstream.
The ventricular system helps the central nervous system function properly.
Associated Conditions
A number of developmental anomalies can impact the ventricular system.
Conditions that affect the ventricular system require diagnosis by a doctor, usually a neurologist.
Some ventricular system conditions are treatable.
Congenital Hydrocephalus
Congenitalhydrocephalusoccurs when the brain fails to develop correctly in utero.
Pressure from the extra fluid can damage the brain and impair brain function.
Hydrocephalus can also occur in children and adults due to trauma, infection,stroke, and tumors.
The most prominent symptom is an enlarged head, but other symptoms may also be present.
People over 60 may additionally experience a decline in thinking and reasoning skills and may have trouble walking.
Diagnosis:This condition may be diagnosed by fetal ultrasound.
Most of the time, the condition is suspected during a physical exam following birth.
Treatment:Treatment of hydrocephalus is focused on reducing fluid in the brain.
Ashuntmay be inserted to drain fluid.
Spina bifida can lead to intellectual and physical disabilities.
It is unknown what causes spina bifida.
After birth, diagnosis is made through a physical exam,X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
Treatment:Treatment for spina bifida depends on how the condition has impacted the body.
Anencephaly
Anencephaly pops up if the fetal brain, skull, and scalp do not fully develop.
Newborns with this condition usually only live for a few hours to several days.
Often pregnancies with anencephaly end withmiscarriageor stillbirth.
Treatment:The condition is untreatable and fatal.
Dandy-Walker Syndrome
Dandy-Walker syndromeoccurs when the cerebellum does not properly form and the ventricles fail to open.
A marker of Dandy-Walker syndrome is the presence of a posterior fossa cyst.
The condition may result in brain and central nervous system abnormalities.
Hydrocephalus occurs in a majority of cases.
The prominent symptom is an enlarged head and intracranial pressure.
Diagnosis:Dandy-Walker is diagnosed with ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.
Treatment:Treatment involves a shunt to drain a cyst and/or ventricles.
Mott Childrens Hospital, Michigan Medicine.Congenital hydrocephalus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About spina bifida.
