Anencephaly

What is Anencephaly?

Anencephaly is the absence of a large portion of the brain, skull and scalp. Anencephaly occurs as a result of a neural tube defect during embryonic development, in which the neural tube fails to close at the rostral end.
Neural Tube Defects

What are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the spinal cord or brain that occur in the first month of pregnancy. Neural tube defects are caused by many factors such as folic acid deficiency, maternal insulin dependent diabetes, and antiepileptic medications.…
Herniation of the Brain

What is Herniation of the Brain?

Herniation of the brain is the protrusion of brain tissue through openings in the rigid intracranial barriers.  Herniation can cause displacement of the brain tissue through skull openings or past dural folds, due to increased intracranial pressure. What are the…
Intracranial Pressure

What is Intracranial Pressure?

Intracranial pressure is the pressure exerted by fluids in the brain tissue inside the skull. This is mainly generated by cerebrospinal fluid. The normal value of CSF in a supine adult is 7-15 mmHg. Raised intracranial pressure refers to the…
Hydrocephalus

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess fluid in the ventricles within the brain. Hydrocephalus can result in an increase in size of the ventricles. As a result, the pressure on the brain increases. Hydrocephalus iis due to excessive accumulation of…
Cerebral Edema

What is Cerebral Edema?

Cerebral edema is fluid buildup that may cause swelling of the brain. Cerebral edema is a life-threatening condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the brain. Cerebral edema can lead to an increase in intracranial pressure.Cerebral edema may be due…