VIOLATION OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID DYNAMICS IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

Abstract

Introduction. The ventricular system of the brain is a complex network of interconnected cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which plays a crucial role in maintaining intracranial pressure, cushioning neural structures, and facilitating metabolic exchange. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can disrupt normal CSF dynamics, leading to post-traumatic complications such as hydrocephalus, porencephaly, meningoencephalocele, subdural hygroma, and CSF cysts.

Materials and Methods. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of post-traumatic CSF disorders based on morphological characteristics, clinical presentation, and radiological findings. Special attention is given to the differentiation between active hydrocephalus and secondary atrophic processes. Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and CT, serves as the primary modality for identifying CSF abnormalities and their effects on surrounding brain structures.

Results. Post-traumatic hydrocephalus was found to present with dilation of the lateral and third ventricles, periventricular edema, and obliterated subarachnoid spaces. Porencephalic cavities were commonly associated with focal traumatic lesions, while meningoencephaloceles were more frequent in pediatric patients with growing skull fractures. Subdural hygromas presented as convexital CSF collections with fluctuating clinical courses. CSF cysts, whether subarachnoid or intracerebral, exhibited age-specific patterns and were often associated with seizures and developmental delay. Across all pathologies, neuroimaging proved essential for accurate diagnosis, classification, and clinical correlation.

Conclusion. CSF-related complications following TBI encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and imaging features. Early recognition and differentiation of these conditions are critical, as many are amenable to medical or surgical intervention. Long-term follow-up and multidisciplinary care are vital to improving neurological outcomes and preventing delayed deterioration.