A state is a well-known concept in mathematical system theory and in computer science. As a conclusion we suggest that (1) the flowing CSF is involved in more than just nutrient and waste control, but is also used as a broadcasting system consisting of coordinated messages to a variety of nearby and distant brain areas (2) this special form of volume transmission underlies changes in behavioral states.īehavioral observations as well as modern imaging techniques show that brain activity is an input-output process that depends on the physiological or behavioral state of the animal or subject. In addition, the available evidence for the release of neuropeptides and other neuroactive substances into the CSF is reviewed, with particular attention to the selective effects of these on distant downstream receptive brain areas. In this review we discuss the production and flow of the CSF, including the mechanisms involved in the regulation of its composition. Thus, many brain areas are exposed to and can be influenced by substances contained in the CSF. The cranial CSF displays a rapid caudally-directed ventricular flow followed by a slower rostrally-directed subarachnoid flow (mainly towards the cribriform plate and from there into the nasal lymphatics). The concentrations of these vary between locations, suggesting they are important for the changes in brain activity that underlie different brain states, and induce different sensory input and behavioral output relationships. Recent findings suggest, however, that in addition, the CSF contains message molecules in the form of actively released neuroactive substances. They need to find out WHY she has fluid in her brain,you know what i mean?there just has to be a real reason for this to occur,it is not normal by any stretch of the word to have fluid in a babys brain period.is she having ANY neuro symptoms what so ever at this point other than just the enlargement?any pain? and odd movements?how do her pupils look,normal/equal and reactive to light?if she is showing any signs at all,i would take her to the ER.also setting up that second opinion soon would be fantastic.i would never rely on only one opinion for something like this.since your child cannot speak for herself,you need to really stay on top of this and also do her speaking for her.if you do not feel at all comfortable with what you were told,you DO have every right to find someone else who can help you more than this guy did.i would just do it very soon.you just really need to know what caused this and most importantly what her risks are becasue it is just there,in her brain.The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system provides nutrients to and removes waste products from the brain. I honestly don't know if this is a "standard" practice to send a child home with fluid and pressure.(fluid always creates some level of pressure) in her brain and just tell them to "come back in two months"?but as a mom,i would be getting a second opinion asap.this,to me anyways knowing some things about the brain and pressure,just doesn't even sound safe to me,really.doing a simple CT and telling you there actually is fluid inside your childs brain and to leave you hanging like that,i would most definitely obtain a second opinion,with an actual neurosurgeon just because they do know sooo much more than most neurologists possibly can.it wouldn't hurt to take her to an ER where they WOULD treat this with a more 'hands on' approach and with a bit more concern too.this just dosen't sound right to me really.