CCSVI and Brain Pressure

CCSVI and CSF

Cranial hydrodynamics is a term used by radiologists to describe fluid mechanics in the brain, which includes blood and cerebrospinal fluid called CSF. Intracranial compliance is term used to describe pressure changes in the brain inside the skull caused by changes is CSF pressure as it pulsates on its course through the brain being driven by waves arising from the heart and arterial pulse waves along with respiratory waves, which amplify them. Techically they are called cardiorespiratory or B waves. Some scientists also call them volume waves in the brain.
In brief, the brain pulsates just like the beat of the heart. Things that disturb intracranial compliance and the rhyhmical movement of fluids can have profound affects on the health of the brain because it lies within a somewhat restricted closed container. The other two elements within the container are blood and cerebrospinal fluid mentioned above. An increase in the volume of any one element within the cranial vault must result in a decrease of one or both of the other elements. Two of the elements, blood and CSF are similar to water and therefore not very compressible. The brain, on the other hand is made of billions of nerves and over fifty percent fat, so it is much more compressible than blood or CSF.
CSF produced in the chambers of the brain called ventricles. A dense network of blood vessels surround the ventricles. CSF is made from blood that is drawn from the network of blood vessels through an extra-fine fine filter, called the blood brain barrier. The blood is drawn by a concentration created by salt, as well as a pressure gradient created by upright posture.
CSF is used to support the brain, which floats inside the skull as well as for cushioning and protection. Moreover, the brain has no lymph system. Instead, waste products are removed through the CSF system, which empties into the main vein at the top of the head called the superior sagittal sinus.
CSF production, flow and drainage from the brain is inexorably linked to venous drainage from the brain. CSF pressure in the ventricles is normally slightly higher than venous pressure so that it’s flow is toward the veins.
Upright posture creates a slightly negative pressure in the superior sagittal sinus, the main vein at the top of the head. This draws venous blood and CSF toward it. From here blood flows downhill along a steep slope like a waterfall to the base of the skull. In the bottom of the skull drain into either the jugular or vertebral vein routes.
The CSF pressure gradiant is very small so that venous drainage issues, such as back pressure in the veins in the basement of the skull, can affect intracranial compliance. It can also affect cranial hydrodynamics resulting in either too much CSF in the brain, called normal pressure hydrocephalus in adults or too little. Moreover, a decrease in the volume of CSF decreases brain support and raises the risk of pressure conus and Chiari like conditions. I cover cranial hydrodynamics thoroughly in my book, as well as Chiari and pressure conus conditions.

2 Responses to CCSVI and Brain Pressure

narnia says:

December 11, 2010 at 3:40 am

great post, just the kind of information I was looking for

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Amy Jewell says:

March 17, 2011 at 2:13 am

I love your site! I am amazed. My daughter had viral meningitis and renal failure in 2005. Since then she has had ICP, many misdiagnosis’ leading to adrenal insufficiency. But ever symptom since then, migraines, fluid ears, chronic viral respiratory infections every winter never fit with adrenal problem. She has always been able to make cortisol-but never pass a stimulation test. All other hormones test fine. She is on physiological dose of 15 mg total day of cortef. Finally, 2008 she was diagnosed with POTS. The doctor added Nadolol to her meds, 3000mg salt, compression stockings. But starting last fall, migraines have grown worse, she has had esophageal candida 3 times and since december her head pain is stuck every day-all day. Pain gets worse as day goes on. I would love to get standing MRI for her. I get migraines, I can feel these lumps and bumps on my skull, but they go away. Kims skull feels like that all the time. How do I get her help? She gets new neuro doctor next week. What do I say without sounding like crazy mom with “internet” knowledge?

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