Types of Hydrocephalus

Noncommunicating (Obstructive or Interventricular) Hydrocephalus

o There is blockage between the ventricular & subarachnoid systems, resulting in an interference with
circulation of CSF & lack of access to the subaracnoid spaces.
o The fluid distends the ventricles.
o There is a gradual thinning of the brain substance, which is compressed between the distended
ventricles & the expanding skull.
o May be due to stenosis of the aqueduct of sylivus, either a congenital defect or acquired
 
Obstructive hydrocephalus
o May result postnatally from brain tumors that put pressure on or extend into the ventricles or
circulation pathways.
 
Communicating (Extraventricular) Hydrocephalus
o There is normal communication between the ventricles & the spinal subarachnoid space.
o Interference with the absorption of CSF caused by an occlusion of the subarachnoid cisterns around the
brain stem.
o The fluid that is not absorbed in the subarachnoid space accumulates, compressing the brain &
distending the cranial cavity.
o due to subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis, toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus infection, in which
there is an obliteration of the subarachnoid spaces by fibrous tissue reaction, or to diseases of connective
tissue