What is the consequence of the expansion of subarachnoid space

Nature securely protect the brain and spinal cord. They are surrounded by several shells. Directly to the brain adjacent soft sheath of connective tissue. At some distance from the other cover formed connective tissue and structure resembling fine network, for which she received the name arachnoid (arachnoid). The space between these membranes is called a subarachnoid.

Subarachnoid space filled with CSF – cerebrospinal fluid. The total number of cerebrospinal fluid is from 120 to 140 ml On a large furrows and crevices of the brain are the tank sections, where the number of CSF is especially great.

The CSF flows from the ventricles of the brain, as outgrowths of the arachnoid sheath suck it. The violation of the circulation leads to expansion of subarachnoid space.

Causes of enlargement of subarachnoid space in adults

The disturbance of liquor circulation is always associated with any pathological process that affects the brain. It could be traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, infection of the brain (eg, meningoencephalitis). All these traumatic factors start the process of atrophy, the amount of gray and white matter decreases, which leads to expansion of subarachnoid space.

There are three degrees of severity of such a breach: easy – extension 1-2 mm, medium – 3-4 mm and severe more than 4 mm.

Possible clinical manifestations – the depletion of mental activity, as well as pseudobulbar a syndrome characterized by a triad of symptoms: speech disorder due to paralysis of muscles involved in articulation, loss of sonority of the voice (it is whispered) and a violation of the act of swallowing. It is also possible headaches and blurred vision due to stagnation in the fundus.

Timely treatment, including surgical, allows you to return such patients to normal life. Even if you are not able to achieve full adaptation to work; people at least are able to do without assistance in daily activities.

The expansion of the subarachnoid spaces in infants

In infants the cause of the expansion of subarachnoid space usually becomes increased intracranial pressure, birth trauma or infection that affected the brain as a result of complications of otitis media or common cold. The diagnosis is made according to neurosonographic research.

Often the forecast is favourable: by age two, the subarachnoid space and the ventricles of the brain by themselves come back to normal, the child "develops" a disease. But count on it not worth it. This violation threatens the child with developmental delays, so it needs to be treated.

Prescribes treatment neurologist. It includes vitamins and other drugs, and also antibiotics, if the disease was caused by infection.