CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Hydrocephalus is primarily caused by which of the following?

1. Congenital abnormality

2. Trauma to the head

3. Blockage of the cranial blood vessels

4. Blockage of the drainage of CSF

The correct answer is: Blockage of the drainage of CSF

Hydrocephalus is primarily characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, which leads to increased intracranial pressure. The correct option highlights the key factor in this condition: a blockage of the drainage of CSF. When the pathways through which CSF flows and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream become obstructed or blocked, it prevents the normal circulation of the fluid. This blockage can be due to various reasons, such as developmental abnormalities, tumors, or infections, leading to the described accumulation and pressure increase. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing and diagnosing hydrocephalus in clinical settings. Other potential causes, such as congenital abnormalities and trauma, can contribute to hydrocephalus but are not the primary causes of the blockage of CSF drainage, which is central to the pathophysiology of the condition. Blockage of cranial blood vessels, while potentially affecting brain health, does not relate directly to the mechanism involved in hydrocephalus.