The brain is the most important human organ, on the work of which the functioning of the whole organism directly depends. This is a complex structure, consisting of several departments, each of which performs clearly defined functions. This article discusses what a transparent septum of the brain is.
Term Definition
In the telencephalon there are two plates of brain tissue that are parallel to each other. These plates are called a transparent partition. Between them formed a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This structure is located in the gap between the anterior part of the brain and the corpus callosum.
Septum OK
When the human embryo is at the stage of development, this cavity is always present, but about six months after birth, it closes. In about 15% of cases, the cavity of the transparent septum remains normal.
This structure is not so well studied, howeverexperts conclude that the non-closure of the cavity occurs due to the effects of alcohol on the fetus during pregnancy. An uncovered cavity usually does not have a significant clinical impact on the functioning of the body.
The cavity can be of various sizes, in some cases it reaches 45 millimeters. Due to the complete isolation of this formation from the ventricles of the brain, in some cases the cavity is called the fifth ventricle, but this definition cannot be considered completely correct.
Pathologies of the septum
Sometimes there are cases of pathological formations of the transparent septum, as well as various kinds of malformations, when a condition that threatens he alth occurs.
This kind of pathology includes:
- septal cavity cyst;
- agenesis of the septum.
As in the case of other diseases of the brain tissue, it is necessary to pay close attention to such disorders and be observed by doctors in a timely manner in order to prevent serious complications.
Cyst: symptoms and diagnosis
The diagnosis of a cyst of the cavity of the transparent septum of the brain is made after an MRI of the brain and is observed in about a quarter of patients. A cyst can be either congenital or acquired. It is characteristic of a congenital cyst that it appears as a result of a genetic predisposition or fetal developmental disorders during pregnancy. The causes of an acquired cyst may be transferredinfectious diseases of the meninges, hemorrhages and even serious mental trauma. Previous meningitis is considered the most common cause.
In premature babies, this formation is almost always observed and, as a rule, does not require treatment, but resolves on its own.
According to some reports, the area of the cavity of the transparent septum is one of the safest places for the occurrence of a cyst in the brain. However, this does not mean that this diagnosis should be ignored. In any case, you need to get a consultation with a neurologist who will recommend the necessary therapy.
If the septal cyst is congenital, then it does not require any special therapy, it is enough to regularly undergo preventive examinations by a neuropathologist or neurosurgeon.
When the cyst is acquired, the following symptoms are observed:
- headache, periodically getting worse;
- appearance of tinnitus;
- unpleasant pressing sensation inside the head.
To establish the diagnosis, a complex of measures is carried out, including an MRI, ultrasound, as well as a blood test and a blood pressure check.
Cyst Therapy
Often a cyst of the transparent septum of the brain does not require special therapy, only careful observation and control of its growth is carried out. Sometimes the size of the cyst becomes so large that it begins to put pressure on nearby parts of the brain and interfere with their normal functioning. Then the neurologist prescribestreatment.
In most cases, the doctor establishes the cause of the accelerated growth of the cyst and prescribes therapy for the underlying disease, then the growth of the formation stops, and the cyst of the cavity of the transparent septum ceases to be dangerous. Usually, a set of measures is performed to stimulate the blood circulation of the brain and reduce ICP.
If conservative treatment does not bring results, they resort to surgical treatment - with the help of a special probe, holes are created in the walls of the cyst through which fluid comes out, the formation cavity decreases.
Agenesis of the septum: symptoms
Agenesis of the septum pellucidum is a serious congenital pathology of the development of the brain, caused by abnormal development of the corpus callosum in the fetus. This is a very rare anomaly of the central nervous system, mainly due to hereditary factors, genetic mutations and insufficient supply of nutrients to the embryo. Another reason may be toxic drugs that a woman takes during pregnancy.
At birth, children with this pathology practically do not differ from he althy ones, clinical signs begin to appear at the age of 2-3 months.
The main symptoms of agenesis of the cavity of the transparent septum include:
- formation of cystic cavities in brain tissue;
- atrophy of auditory and optic nerves;
- fits and seizures;
- microencephaly.
As a rule, this malformation of the brain is pre-diagnosed in the secondtrimester of pregnancy (after 18 weeks) and is confirmed by a set of diagnostic measures after birth. An ultrasound examination of the brain of a newborn, CT of the head, if necessary, MRI and neurosonography are being carried out.
Therapy and prognosis of agenesia of the septum of the brain
Conservative treatment is being carried out, mainly with anticonvulsants and corticosteroid hormones. Therapy is aimed at eliminating serious and dangerous symptoms that pose a danger to the child. There is no specific remedy for the absence of a septum.
If agenesis is not complicated by concomitant brain defects, then the development of the child proceeds normally or with minor neurological disorders. However, in cases where there are complications in the form of other malformations of the brain, there may be consequences in the form of mental retardation, reduced learning ability and other serious abnormalities.
Conclusion
Congenital pathologies of the transparent septum of the brain are usually genetically determined and require regular monitoring by a neuropathologist or neurosurgeon. As a preventive measure for pathologies of the septum acquired during life, it is recommended to avoid complications on the brain after infectious diseases, injuries and concussions, and mental shocks.
