Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:13
Cannula Implantation into the Cisterna Magna of Rodents
Published on: May 23, 2018
Treatment of alterations in CSF dynamics
1Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy. mea@istituto-besta.it
Summary
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) are rare conditions affecting cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. This review covers their clinical features, MRI findings, and treatments, highlighting headache as a key symptom.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) alterations occur in various neurological conditions.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are crucial for maintaining normal brain function.
- Headache is a common yet complex symptom in neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (SIH) and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).
- To discuss key clinical features, diagnostic MRI findings, and therapeutic strategies for SIH and IIH.
- To enhance understanding of these rare CSF dynamics disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on SIH and IIH.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria.
- Summary of current treatment options.
Main Results:
- SIH and IIH represent distinct alterations in CSF dynamics.
- Characteristic MRI findings aid in diagnosing both conditions.
- Various therapeutic interventions are available for managing SIH and IIH.
Conclusions:
- SIH and IIH require specific diagnostic and management approaches.
- Accurate identification of clinical and radiological features is essential.
- Effective treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes in SIH and IIH.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord, playing a vital role in the protection, support, and overall function of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF production, circulation, and absorption are tightly regulated processes essential for the brain and spinal cord to function properly.
CSF Production
CSF is produced mainly in the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and ependymal cells located within the ventricular system of the brain.
CSF Production
CSF is produced mainly in the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and ependymal cells located within the ventricular system of the brain.
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:19Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...