Low-/Negative-Pressure Hydrocephalus: To Understand the Formation Mechanism from the Perspective of Clinicians

Abstract

Low-/negative-pressure hydrocephalus (LPH/NePH) is uncommon in clinical practice, and doctors are unfamiliar with it. LPH/NePH is frequently caused by other central nervous system diseases, and patients are frequently misdiagnosed with other types of hydrocephalus, resulting in delayed treatment. LPH/NePH therapy evolved to therapeutic measures based on “external ventricular drainage below atmospheric pressure” as the number of patients with LPH/NePH described in the literature has increased. However, the mechanism of LPH/NePH formation is unknown. Thus, understanding the process of LPH/NePH development is the most important step in improving diagnosis and treatment capability. Based on case reports of LPH/NePH, we reviewed theories of transcortical pressure difference, excessive cerebral venous drainage, brain viscoelastic changes, and porous elastic sponges.

Keywords

low-pressure hydrocephalus - negative-pressure hydrocephalus - cerebral viscoelasticity change theory - excessive drainage of cerebral veins theory - porous elastic sponge theory

Publication History

Received: 30 August 2023

Accepted: 17 January 2024

Article published online:
30 April 2024

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