How Do You Spell SECONDARY HYDROCEPHALUS?

1. Secondary hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, resulting from an underlying cause or as a complication of a preexisting condition. In this context, hydrocephalus refers to the increased fluid pressure within the brain.

   The prefix "secondary" indicates that this type of hydrocephalus is not a primary condition and is instead a consequence of another underlying condition. Secondary hydrocephalus can be caused by various factors such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, infections (e.g., meningitis), intracranial hemorrhage, or brain surgeries. The primary disorder results in an obstruction to the normal flow of CSF or impairment in its absorption, leading to the buildup of fluid and subsequent increase in intracranial pressure.

   Symptoms of secondary hydrocephalus may include headache, nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness, difficulty with balance and coordination, vision problems, and cognitive impairments. Infants or young children may present with an enlarged head circumference, bulging fontanelles, irritability, poor feeding, and developmental delays.

   The diagnosis of secondary hydrocephalus typically involves imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess the ventricular enlargement and to identify the underlying cause. Treatment options depend upon the causative factors and the severity of the condition. It often involves surgical interventions, such as shunt placement, to divert and regulate the flow of CSF, relieving the pressure within the brain.

   In summary, secondary hydrocephalus is a condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs due to an underlying cause or complication, requiring appropriate diagnosis and treatment to manage the symptoms and address the underlying condition.

2. An accumulation of fluid in the cranial cavity, due to meningitis or obstruction to the venous flow.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SECONDARY HYDROCEPHALUS

The word "secondary hydrocephalus" consists of two parts: "secondary" and "hydrocephalus".

1. "Secondary": The term "secondary" is derived from the Latin word "secundarius", meaning "following, second in order". In medical terminology, it is used to describe a condition that is not primary or that occurs as a consequence or complication of another condition.

2. "Hydrocephalus": The term "hydrocephalus" is derived from the combination of two Greek words. "Hydro" means "water", and "cephalus" means "head". Therefore, "hydrocephalus" literally translates to "water in the head". It is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain, leading to an enlargement of the head in infants or increased intracranial pressure in adults.