What is the cause of hydrocephalus due to brain tumor

Brain tumors are usually prone to cause hydrocephalus. In fact, this problem poses a great threat to the patient's health. Moreover, when obstruction occurs in any part of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation system, it will cause hydrocephalus. Therefore, it is necessary to judge and understand these diseases for treatment.

1. Brain tumors leading to hydrocephalus

Under normal circumstances, the secretion and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid are dynamic. However, in pathological conditions, excessive cerebrospinal fluid will accumulate in the ventricular system or subarachnoid space, leading to increased intracranial pressure and the formation of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus will occur when obstruction occurs in any part of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation system, and hydrocephalus caused by brain tumors is the most common cause.

2. Differentiate between brain tumor and hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a disease in which the volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull increases, causing the enlargement of the cerebral ventricles. Brain tumors are tumors of the nervous system that occur in the cranial cavity. They are brain diseases that develop slowly and gradually worsen. Essentially, they are two different diseases of the brain.

However, we need to note that congenital hydrocephalus and brain tumors have certain similarities that we need to distinguish. Brain tumors in infants and young children can be accompanied by enlarged skull, high tension of the anterior fontanelle, and distended scalp veins, which are similar to the manifestations of hydrocephalus. However, the following characteristics are helpful for differentiation: hydrocephalus develops earlier than intracranial tumors, and the head gradually enlarges after birth; there is an obvious setting sun sign on the eyes; there is usually no edema of the optic disc; and there are few vomiting symptoms.

3. In recent years , the incidence of intracranial tumors has been on the rise. According to statistics, intracranial tumors account for about 5% of all tumors in the body and 70% of childhood tumors. The prevention of brain tumors has always been something we need to pay special attention to, especially its differential diagnosis.