The fourth ventricle of the brain - what is it? Where is it located and what functions does it perform? What pathological changes can be? You can find answers to all these questions, as well as the causes and methods of treating diseases associated with it, in this article.
Ventricles of the brain
The ventricles of the brain are cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. There are only four of them: paired temporal, third and fourth ventricles of the brain. The latter is located between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. Its shape is somewhat reminiscent of a tent, which is divided into the roof (cerebellum) and the bottom (medulla oblongata).
What are the functions of the fourth ventricle of the brain? The thing is that in the ventricular complex there is always cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid), which, by the way, plays a large role in protecting the central nervous system. From the ventricles, it enters the subarachnoid space, from where there is an outflow into the venous system, and from there into the lymphatic system.
Pathologies of the fourth ventricle of the brain
The ventricles of the brain can suffer from pathologies as well as all organs and systems of the human body. Problems can be due to various reasons: from inflammation to the presence of parasites. In this article, we will consider only two situations: a tumor and ventricular dilatation.
Tumor of the fourth ventricle of the brain
The development of a tumor in this part of the brain prevents an adequate outflow of cerebrospinal fluid, which is why the following symptoms appear:
- headache combined with vomiting;
- dizziness;
- disturbances in the work of the heart and respiration (lymph outflow from the fourth ventricle goes to the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for involuntary cardiac and respiratory activity);
- unsteady gait;
- nystagmus (twitching of the eyeballs);
- lack of coordination;
- often accompanied by hydrocephalus (accumulation of a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid).
For the diagnosis of this disease requires consultation of several doctors, at least a therapist and a neurologist. For the final diagnosis, the results of additional research methods are needed: CT or MRI of the brain.
Surgical treatment. Before removing the tumor, it is very often necessary to extract excess fluid from the skull. In most cases, after excision of the tumor, dropsy still remains and a bypass operation is performed. In the malignant course of the disease in combination with surgical treatment, chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy are used.
Headache and vomiting in combination with each other are cerebral (cerebral) symptoms, as these are symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. If available, it is recommended that you consult a doctor and undergo an examination for the purpose of diagnosis.
Hydrocephalus
The expansion of the fourth ventricle of the brain or the entire ventricular complex is called hydrocephalus, and in the common people - dropsy. By definition, it is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles, which is why their increase occurs. Very often this condition occurs in children and is congenital. But not always ventricular dilatation indicates the presence of pathological changes. They can only talk about physiological features - a large head. But the final verdict is put by the doctor after a series of studies. The cause of this pathology is still unknown.
How does this condition manifest itself?
- nausea, vomiting, dizziness (with acute hydrocephalus);
- rolling eyes down (symptom of the setting sun);
- enlargement of the skull, sometimes excessive;
- apathy;
- unsteady gait;
- involuntary urination and defecation;
- impaired consciousness when turning the torso and head.
Causes of hydrocephalus:
- infectious brain lesions (including meningitis);
- head injuries;
- stroke;
- tuberculosis;
- alcoholism / drug addiction.
At the initial stage of development of this condition, the use of conservative treatment is possible, with the already developed - only surgical intervention, in order to remove excess cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure.
Both of these diseases require a consultation with a doctor, individual selected treatment and a thorough examination. All ailments are much easier to cure at an early stage, so experts recommend not delaying a visit to a doctor. Be healthy!