WHAT ARE INTRACRANIAL PATHOLOGIES?

Intracranial pathology refers to issues inside the skull, including the covering of the brain (the meninges), the brain and surrounding blood vessels.

Types of intracranial pathologies include the following:

BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN

A brain haemorrhage, commonly referred to as a "brain bleed", is bleeding that arises within the brain tissue or between the skull and the brain tissue. A brain bleed is considered a medical emergency that requires urgent intervention. Unfortunately, a brain haemorrhage can disrupt the oxygen supply to the brain, causing a stroke and or comma. Other degrees of bleeding will increase the pressure in the head. They may lead to the following symptoms: nausea or vomiting, headaches, facial paralysis and a tingling sensation in the extremities. Bleeding can occur inside any of the three protective membranes (the meninges) such as the pia mater, dura mater and arachnoid.

Bleeding in the brain may occur as a result of the following:

• Severe head trauma as a result of an unexpected injury.
• Elevated blood pressure weakens the walls of the blood vessels, increasing the risk of bleeding in the brain.
• An aneurysm develops when the walls of the blood vessels begin to swell.
• A liver disease raises the susceptibility to bleeding issues.
• The presence of brain tumours raises the possibility of a brain bleed.

BRAIN TUMOURS

Brain tumours comprise an accumulation of unhealthy cells as a result of uncontrolled cellular division. Both benign and malignant brain tumours can significantly impair brain function, especially if these lumps increase in size and add pressure to surrounding blood vessels and brain tissue.

Typical signs of brain tumours include the following:

• Worsen headaches
• Persistent nauseous and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Trouble walking
• Issues with balance
• Trouble with memory
• Vision deterioration

HYDROCEPHALUS

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that develops from the excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a translucent liquid that cushions and safeguards the spine and brain, preventing damage to these areas. However, an unnatural build-up of CSF can cause severe damage, potentially leading to brain damage if not treated timeously. Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary in each individual, depending on age.

HOW DO YOU TREAT INTRACRANIAL PATHOLOGIES?

Treatments consist of the following:

• Hydrocephalus: Treatment for this condition involves using a shunt to remove the build-up of CSF. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) is an alternative procedure that redirects the CSF flow beneath the third ventricle.
• Brain tumours: A craniotomy is a commonly performed procedure to remove tumours of the brain. Dr Matshitse removes a fragment of bone from the skull to access and remove the tumour. Some tumours are first subjected to a biopsy because not all tumours are amendable to surgery.
• Bleeding in the brain: A craniotomy if often employed as a evacuation of the clot. However, some bleedings require a craniectomy which enables expansion of the brain and offers relief from pressure due to the accumulation of bleeding within the brain.