A hydrodynamic model of cerebrospinal fluid flow in man.

A hydrodynamic bi-compartmental model for the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in humans is presented which combines anatomical and physiological conditions in the central nervous system with results of special radioisotope diagnostic techniques. Normal and disturbed conditions, the diagnostic methods and the results are explained. A differential equation for the time behaviour of regional radioisotope concentrations is derived by applying to the model mathematical procedures which are familiar from the description of radioactive decay series, or reaction kinetics of chemical or pharmaceutical processes. The solutions are analysed and discussed with respect to findings of isotope diagnostics, and parameters for the complete and quantitative evaluation of CSF flow systems are derived. A system factor is introduced for classification purposes and, in conjunction with basic principles of hydrodynamics, is used to postulate a similarity law of CSF flow systems. The diagnostical and therapeutical value of the model for analysis and simulation of CSF flow systems is discussed. Practical applications to other disciplines are proposed.