Articles tagged with Hydrocephalus
A new study by McGill University researchers offers a potential solution for infant hydrocephalus, a life-threatening condition that affects 1 in 1,000 newborns. RNA therapy has been shown to prevent the condition in mice models, with a promising impact on treating genetically caused hydrocephalus.
A randomized trial shows that implanting a brain shunt in older patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus significantly improves symptoms, including gait speed, cognition, and bladder control. The study resolves controversy surrounding the condition's existence and treatment effectiveness.
A groundbreaking trial published in New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates the benefits of surgical treatment with a shunt for idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) in older adults. Eighty percent of participants showed significant clinical improvement, including improved walking speed and balance.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina describe a new, non-surgical approach to managing hydrocephalus by implanting a shunt-clearing device and performing daily flushing. The study shows promising results, reducing revision surgeries and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified a new bacterial strain, Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus, as the underlying cause of postinfectious hydrocephalus in Ugandan babies. The bacteria was found to be resistant to antibiotics and carried a virulent toxin that causes high mortality rates.
Researchers at IUPUI will lead two grants totaling $11.7 million to discover a drug treatment for hydrocephalus, a condition commonly associated with traumatic brain injury. The studies aim to test the effectiveness of treatments for three types of hydrocephalus and may lead to a new treatment option.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus is a complex syndrome that can lead to cognitive impairment and neurological damage. The new consensus guideline recommends standard-of-care approaches, including history review, head CT scans, and medications or surgical interventions to manage excessive intracranial pressure.
Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.
Researchers at Mass General Hospital have discovered a novel molecular mechanism responsible for acquired hydrocephalus, which could lead to the development of a non-surgical treatment. The study found that an anti-inflammatory drug, rapamycin, can target the pathway that causes swelling of the brain ventricles in patients with hydroce...
Researchers developed a new imaging technique revealing abnormal circulation patterns of brain fluid in developing brains. Disruptions to cerebrospinal fluid flow may underlie cognitive deficits and developmental delays in conditions like hydrocephalus.
A novel algorithm uses near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate intracranial pressure (ICP) based on hemoglobin levels. The research validates the accuracy of this method using invasive ICP data.
Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly has been successfully demonstrated in a European project. Concentrating ultrasound waves can detach materials from the inside of shunts implanted in the brains of patients, enabling preventive cleaning without affecting other areas.
A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.
A team of UTHealth Houston researchers has been awarded a $2.85 million NIH grant to study a new technique assessing cerebrospinal fluid in babies with hydrocephalus, which affects 400,000 newborns globally each year.
A study led by MUSC researchers found that inhibiting the complement system with CR2Crry can prevent long-term brain damage and improve outcomes in premature infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage. The treatment has shown improved survival, weight gain, reduced brain injury, and enhanced motor and cognitive performances.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that hydrocephalus is caused by problems with brain stem cells, not fluid circulation. Genetic analysis identified a key gene mutation, TRIM71, which disrupts neuroepithelial cell development, leading to underdeveloped brains and cerebral cortex compression.
A recent CUHK study has provided a novel understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms behind the function of the blood-CSF barrier. The research team found that SOX9 is essential to prevent leakage of undesired molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid, highlighting its critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis.
Researchers have created a map of the proton-activated chloride channel (PAC), a protein that can help brain cells survive during stroke. Understanding its structure, they hope to develop ways to reduce permanent damage caused by acidosis and improve medical outcomes.
Researchers in Uganda have identified a new species of bacteria that may contribute to postinfectious hydrocephalus, a common cause of neurosurgery in children worldwide. The study found Paenibacillus frequently co-occurred with cytomegalovirus infections in affected infants.
Researchers identified Paenibacillus species as the causative agent of post-infectious hydrocephalus (PIH), which affects millions of children worldwide. The discovery has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality by shifting treatment from surgery to antibiotics and vaccines.
Researchers identified a previously unknown strain of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus bacteria as the primary cause of post-infectious hydrocephalus in Ugandan infants. The bacteria is linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which causes neurological damage and can lead to severe cognitive and physical disabilities.
Researchers have identified a new disease mechanism and potential molecular drug target to protect premature newborns from developing post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Treating mice with compounds blocking the LPA receptor prevented excess fluid accumulation in the brain.
New research on spina bifida provides insights into how to manage the disorder, including a transition model that prepares patients for adult life. The study's findings highlight the importance of continuity of care and teamwork between pediatric and adult providers.
Researchers at MUSC sound the alarm about hydrocephalus associated with long-term spaceflight (HALS), a brain condition that affects astronauts during extended space missions. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, highlights the need for more research into HALS to understand its effects on the human brain and develop countermeasures.
A wearable device can monitor shunt performance in patients with hydrocephalus, allowing them to detect fluid flow within five minutes. The device could save patients from hospital visits and costly scans, improving their quality of life.
A recent study by Penn State researchers has found that fluctuations in rainfall in Uganda are linked to an increased risk of infant hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluids in the brain cavities. The research used satellite data and climate models to identify vulnerable areas for epidemic diseases, paving the way for preventive measures.
Researchers found that a simple walking test can accurately diagnose idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) by assessing participants' gait while performing dual tasks. The study revealed that the test improved diagnostic accuracy to 97% when combined with other assessments.
A clinical trial found that implanting a shunt or endoscopically reducing intracranial pressure is equally effective in treating hydrocephalus, but endoscopy may have fewer long-term complications. The study also found that children with normal brain development had better outcomes.
A randomized trial showed that an alternative, potentially one-time operation called endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) is as good for infant brain development as placing a shunt. The study found no significant difference in cognitive scores between the two groups after 12 months.
A multidisciplinary team at IUPUI is developing and testing compounds for potential treatment of hydrocephalus. They have identified a strong candidate compound that shows promise in preclinical evaluations.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that Daple protein is essential for the correct arrangement of cilia on brain cells, enabling directional fluid flow. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind hydrocephalus and its related diseases such as asthma and female infertility.
Research by the German Cancer Research Center has found that defective intercellular connections in the ependyma, a cellular layer separating the brain nervous tissue from CSF, cause hydrocephalus. This leads to blockage of the aqueduct, blocking cerebrospinal fluid flow and resulting in swollen heads and brain pressure.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered that sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) is required for the formation of cells that maintain normal flow of fluid out of the brain. The study found that deleting SNX27 causes hydrocephalus, and gave hope for potential non-surgical treatments.
Hydrocephalus, a buildup of excess fluid in the brain, can be treated effectively with surgery. Neurosurgeon Vikram Prabhu calls for neurosurgeons to work towards eliminating infant deaths from hydrocephalus by 2030. This goal aims to provide basic surgical care to children with hydrocephalus worldwide.
Scientists at UT Arlington and UNTHSC are building a prototype shunt flow monitoring system that can deliver on-demand and continuous readings of hydrocephalus. This could lead to better treatment, especially in infants and children who account for most shunt operations.
A global research team led by Case Western Reserve scientist discovered a genetic dysfunction connected to hydrocephalus, illustrating how one error can contribute to excessive cerebrospinal fluid. The study found that Dvl genes regulate the placement and alignment of cilia in ependymal cells, essential for efficient fluid movement.
Researchers found a significant link between climate and infant brain infections, with rainfall affecting the number of hydrocephalus cases. The study suggests that environmental conditions can quench bacterial infections, making some cases potentially preventable if understood better.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a new cause of hydrocephalus, a devastating neurological disorder affecting newborn babies. By bypassing a faulty cell signaling defect with a drug treatment, researchers were able to reduce the severity of the condition and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that high levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can lead to congenital hydrocephalus in mice by disrupting brain development and causing excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup. Blocking LPA's action prevents the effect, offering a potential new treatment for the condition.
Patients with hydrocephalus and white matter changes who underwent shunt operations showed significant improvements in mental function and walking ability. The study's findings provide conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of shunt surgery in treating this condition.
Researchers found 94% of samples contained bacterial remnants from previous infection, with seasonal differences between dry and rainy seasons. Environmental factors, such as cow dung and animal exposure, may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute created a bioreactor to study shunt systems used in hydrocephalus treatment. The device helps prevent cells from blocking shunt catheters, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
A type of PET scanning may be useful in non-invasive assessment of brain plaque formation. Six patients with beta-amyloid plaques displayed a higher uptake of the marker [11C]PiB in certain brain areas compared to those without such accumulations.
A study by NIH/NIEHS has identified a mouse gene linked to hydrocephalus, a common birth defect. The research team cloned the defective gene, which affects cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and found it causes classic symptoms of hydrocephalus in mice.