Which term describes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?

Which term describes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?

• A. Cerebral Palsy
• B. Echolalia
• C. Spina Bifida
• D. Hydrocephalus

Answer: (D)

Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain is called hydrocephalus. CSF normally circulates through the brain’s ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord, helping cushion the brain and remove waste. When drainage is blocked or absorption is impaired, fluid accumulates, enlarging the ventricles and increasing pressure inside the skull. This can lead to headaches, nausea, vision changes, balance problems, or cognitive and developmental effects, especially in young children who may show an unusually large head. Treatment typically aims to divert or drain the excess fluid to relieve pressure and protect brain tissue. Other options describe different conditions: Cerebral Palsy is a group of motor disabilities from early brain injury; Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases; Spina Bifida is a birth defect involving the spinal column. None of these describe a buildup of fluid in the brain like hydrocephalus.

Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain is called hydrocephalus. CSF normally circulates through the brain’s ventricles and around the brain and spinal cord, helping cushion the brain and remove waste. When drainage is blocked or absorption is impaired, fluid accumulates, enlarging the ventricles and increasing pressure inside the skull. This can lead to headaches, nausea, vision changes, balance problems, or cognitive and developmental effects, especially in young children who may show an unusually large head. Treatment typically aims to divert or drain the excess fluid to relieve pressure and protect brain tissue.

Other options describe different conditions: Cerebral Palsy is a group of motor disabilities from early brain injury; Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases; Spina Bifida is a birth defect involving the spinal column. None of these describe a buildup of fluid in the brain like hydrocephalus.