Hydrocephalus Center - Santa Maria, CASanta Maria Neurologist Doctors for HydrocephalusType 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 Santa Maria * Edward A Smith MD  Ramanand C Dandillaya Sr. MD  Philip Ente MD  Darius Soleimany MD  Lawrence J Fogel MD  Thomas Clark DO  Drs Yamagata & Benjamin  Drs Yamagata & Benjamin  Charles J Curatalo MD  Charles J Curatalo MD  Charles J Curatalo MD  Neurology Associates of Santa Barbara  Neurology Associates of Santa Barbara  Sansum Medical Clinic Neurology  Neurology Associates of Santa Barbara  Sansum Medical Clinic Neurology  Sansum Medical Clinic Neurology  Sansum Medical Clinic Neurology  Sansum Medical Clinic Neurology  David C Agnew MD  The Neurology Office  The Neurology Office  The Neurology Office  The Neurology Office  William D Goldie MD Santa Maria, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-23
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HydrocephalusRead the Hydrocephalus article » 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... Recommended Reading Related to HydrocephalusIntroductionFew experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms. Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early... Other Related Hydrocephalus ArticlesEmergency Contact for Santa Maria
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