0000000000765498
AUTHOR
Margarita Beltran
Exploring the Virchow-Robin spaces function: A unified theory of brain diseases.
Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport across the central nervous system (CNS) is no longer believed to be on the conventional lines. The Virchow-Robin space (VRS) that facilitates CSF transport from the basal cisterns into the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) has gained interest in a whole new array of studies. Moreover, new line of evidence suggests that VRS may be involved in different pathological mechanisms of brain diseases. Methods: Here, we review emerging studies proving the feasible role of VRS in sleep, Alzheimer's disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Results: In this study, we have outlined the possible role of VRS in different path…
Introducing the concept of “CSF-shift edema” in traumatic brain injury
Brain edema after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) plays an important role in the outcome and survival of injured patients. It is also one of the main targets in the therapeutic approach in the current clinical practice. To date, the pathophysiology of traumatic brain swelling is complex and, being that it is thought to be mainly cytotoxic and vasogenic in origin, not yet entirely understood. However, based on new understandings of the hydrodynamic aspects of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), an additional mechanism of brain swelling can be considered. An increase in pressure into the subarachnoid space, secondary to traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, would result in a rapid shift of CSF from t…