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Hydrocephalus Center - Roswell, NM

Roswell Neurologist Doctors for Hydrocephalus

Type of Physician: Neurologist

What is a Neurologist?

A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners focus on the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The neurologist is often the primary physician but also serves as a consultant to other physicians and may render all levels of care, including the continuing care of outpatients and/or inpatients. The neurologist will often perform and interpret tests that relate to the nervous system or muscles.

Specialty: Neurology

Common Name:

Neurologist Doctors in Roswell *

Covenant Family Health Care Center
Jose Alfredo Lujan Palma
402 W Country Club
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 637-7000

Pecos Neurology
James F VanPelt
313 W Country Club Rd
STE STE 10
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 622-0816

Roswell, New Mexico

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Hydrocephalus

What is hydrocephalus?

The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning head. As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ? a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.

The ventricular system is made up of four ventricles connected by narrow passages.. Normally, CSF flows through the ventricles, exits into cisterns (closed spaces that serve as reservoirs) at the base of the brain, bathes the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord, and then reabsorbs into the bloodstream.

CSF has three important life-sustaining functions: 1) to keep the brain tissue buoyant, acting as a cushion or "shock absorber"; 2) to act as the vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste; and 3) to flow between the cranium and spine and compensate for changes in intracranial blood volume (the amount of blood within the brain).

The balance between production and absorption of CSF is critically important. Because CSF is made continuously, medical conditions that block its normal flow or absorption will result in an over-accumulation of CSF. The resulting pressure of the fluid against brain tissue is what causes hydrocephalus.

What are the different types of hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and may be caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development, or genetic abnormalities. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward. This t...

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Emergency Contact for Roswell

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Roswell Hospitals *

Roswell Regional Hospital
117 E 19th St
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)627-7000

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center
405 W Country Club Rd
Roswell, NM 88201
(575)622-8170

New Mexico Rehabilitation Center
31 Gail Harris St
Roswell, NM 88203
(575)347-3400

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