Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Brain Cavities I have many concerns about my 93 year old grandmother. She has suffered with neuralgia for about the last 3 years She recently began complaining of "hearing crickets" in her head and also describes hearing a sound much like "rocks rolling around inside her head" if she moves her head to the side. She has also begun to stumble when she stands up from a sitting or declining position. She had an MRI a week ago that showed the nerve in the face is not damaged, but her doctor did mention that the normal cavities in her brain that should contain fluid were "drying up or had dried up". Can you explain what exactly would cause drying up of the cavities and what prognosis can we expect from this condition? I am prepared to accept whatever response you offer so please be as direct as possible. Thank you so much. Michelle
Thanks for your question. I am assuming that the "cavities" mentioned by by your physician refers to the ventricular system, which contains the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF). As one ages - particularly to the age of your grandmother - there is a significant atrophy of the brain tissue, which will enlarge the ventricular system, quite considerably. I am quite puzzled by what you referred as "drying up" of the ventricles. Is your physician stating that where is AIR in the ventricles, or elsewhere inside the skull? Although pneumoencephaly (air inside the skull) is a possible complication of trauma or neurosurgical procedures, it is highly unusual as a spontaneous phenomenon. If your physician is only referring to the "natural" enlargement of the ventricular system, that finding is not of very significant clinical concern. I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. | |
