What condition is characterized by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain?

What condition is characterized by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Encephalitis
• C. Hydrocephalus
• D. Myelitis

Answer: (C)

Hydrocephalus is the condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles. CSF is produced in the choroid plexus, circulates through the ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord, and is normally reabsorbed into the bloodstream. When drainage or absorption is blocked or CSF is produced excessively (rare), fluid accumulates, the ventricles enlarge, and intracranial pressure rises. This leads to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and cognitive or balance changes; in infants, it can cause an unusually large head or rapid head growth. The other conditions involve inflammation or infection of brain or spinal cord tissues (meninges, brain, or spinal cord) rather than a fluid buildup within the ventricles, so they do not describe this ventriculomegaly.

Hydrocephalus is the condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles. CSF is produced in the choroid plexus, circulates through the ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord, and is normally reabsorbed into the bloodstream. When drainage or absorption is blocked or CSF is produced excessively (rare), fluid accumulates, the ventricles enlarge, and intracranial pressure rises. This leads to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and cognitive or balance changes; in infants, it can cause an unusually large head or rapid head growth. The other conditions involve inflammation or infection of brain or spinal cord tissues (meninges, brain, or spinal cord) rather than a fluid buildup within the ventricles, so they do not describe this ventriculomegaly.