Ventriculomegaly is a term used to describe when the ventricles in the brain are larger than normal. The ventricles are spaces inside the brain that hold cerebrospinal fluid, which helps cushion the brain and keep it healthy. When these spaces get bigger, it can be a sign of a problem, but not always.
Sometimes, ventriculomegaly happens because there is too much cerebrospinal fluid building up in the brain. This can be due to a blockage or a problem with how the fluid is absorbed. In other cases, the ventricles may look bigger because the brain tissue around them has shrunk, which can happen with aging or certain diseases. There are also situations where someone is born with larger ventricles and it does not cause any health issues.
Doctors often use imaging tests like CT scans, MRI scans, or ultrasounds to check for ventriculomegaly. These tests help them see the size of the ventricles and look for any signs of pressure or other problems. If someone has symptoms like headaches, vomiting, changes in behavior, or trouble walking, it could be related to ventriculomegaly. However, some people with ventriculomegaly do not have any symptoms at all.
There are different causes of ventriculomegaly. It can be linked to birth defects, infections, injuries, or certain genetic conditions. Sometimes, it is part of a condition called hydrocephalus, where there is too much fluid in the brain. Other times, it can be a result of brain atrophy, which means the brain is losing tissue.
When ventriculomegaly is found, doctors will look at the person’s symptoms, medical history, and imaging results to figure out the best way to help. Treatment depends on the cause and whether there are any symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is needed, while in others, surgery or other medical care may be required.
Sources
https://www.medlink.com/articles/hydrocephalus
https://radiologyassistant.nl/pediatrics/normal-values/normal-values-ultrasound
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1685288/full
https://clinicalimagingscience.org/malformations-of-cortical-development-on-fetal-mri/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/medgen/1677130
