Impaired CSF reabsorption leads to which condition?

Impaired CSF reabsorption leads to which condition?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Encephalitis
• D. Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Answer: (A)

CSF is produced in the choroid plexus and normally reabsorbed into the venous system via arachnoid granulations. When this reabsorption is impaired, CSF accumulates in the ventricles, causing ventriculomegaly and increased intracranial pressure—hydrocephalus. This is typically a communicating form of hydrocephalus, where the problem is reabsorption rather than a physical blockage, though various insults like inflammation or hemorrhage can contribute to impaired absorption over time. Clinically, hydrocephalus presents with symptoms of raised ICP such as headaches, nausea, or cognitive changes, and in infants with rapid head enlargement. In critical care, the focus is on reducing ICP and addressing the underlying cause, often with external ventricular drainage or a shunt.

CSF is produced in the choroid plexus and normally reabsorbed into the venous system via arachnoid granulations. When this reabsorption is impaired, CSF accumulates in the ventricles, causing ventriculomegaly and increased intracranial pressure—hydrocephalus. This is typically a communicating form of hydrocephalus, where the problem is reabsorption rather than a physical blockage, though various insults like inflammation or hemorrhage can contribute to impaired absorption over time. Clinically, hydrocephalus presents with symptoms of raised ICP such as headaches, nausea, or cognitive changes, and in infants with rapid head enlargement. In critical care, the focus is on reducing ICP and addressing the underlying cause, often with external ventricular drainage or a shunt.