What is Hydrocephalus? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

 

What is Hydrocephalus? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles. If unchecked, this build-up can put pressure on the brain, causing a variety of symptoms and maybe major problems. Although usually linked with young children and elderly people, hydrocephalus can strike anyone at any age.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord, cleans the brain and spinal cord, and provides nutrition, is produced by the brain automatically. Usually, this fluid passes over the brain and spinal cord and is then reabsorbed into the bloodstream from the ventricles. But when this flow is interrupted or the body cannot adequately absorb it, CSF builds up and strains the brain by swelling of the ventricles.

Hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired later due to injury, infection, tumor, or other medical conditions. It can also be classified as communicating (CSF flows between ventricles but is not reabsorbed properly) or non-communicating (caused by a blockage in the flow of CSF).

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary by age and severity. Some of the common symptoms include:

In Infants:

  • Rapid increase in skull size
  • Bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head
  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness or irritability
  • Poor feeding
  • Seizures
  • Downward eyes(sunsetting eyes)

In Older Children and Adults:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Poor coordination
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Incontinence Urine
  • Memory issues
  • Changes in personality

Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus Causes

Hydrocephalus causes can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired due to injury or disease. Common causes include:

  • Birth defects (like spina bifida)
  • Infections during pregnancy
  • Premature birth and associated bleeding in the brain
  • Meningitis
  • Brain tumors
  • Head injuries
  • Stroke
  • Obstruction in CSF flow

Understanding the root cause plays a vital role in planning an effective hydrocephalus treatment.

Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus usually requires surgical intervention. Treatment options include:

1. Shunt System

The most common treatment involves inserting a shunt, a flexible tube placed into the brain's ventricles to drain excess fluid to another part of the body. This helps regulate pressure inside the skull.

  • Types of shunts: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP), Ventriculoatrial (VA), and others
  • Requires regular monitoring and sometimes revision surgeries if blocked or infected

2. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

This is a minimally invasive alternative to a shunt. A small hole is made in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to bypass the blockage and flow normally. It's especially effective in obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus.

3. Medications

Although they are not a definitive cure, in some situations drugs may be used momentarily to lower CSF production.

4. Monitoring and Rehabilitation

Constant follow-up is absolutely necessary. Depending on the person's needs, rehabilitation can call for occupational therapy, physical therapy, or educational help.

Management of Hydrocephalus

The management of hydrocephalus doesn't end with surgery. It requires ongoing monitoring, including:

  • Regular follow-ups with a neurosurgeon or neurologist
  • Brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) to check shunt function
  • Monitoring for signs of shunt infection or failure
  • Physical therapy for motor skills development in children
  • Occupational or speech therapy, if needed
  • Early intervention and consistent care significantly improve quality of life and outcomes.

Conclusion

Though treatable, hydrocephalus is a major disorder. Achieving the best results depends on early identification of the hydrocephalus signs and symptoms, knowledge of the hydrocephalus causes, and fast surgical care of hydrocephalus. Right hydrocephalus treatment and regular follow-up enable people to lead active and satisfying lives.

Click here to know more

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

All You Need To Know About Wisdom Tooth Removal

Image
  Are you advised for wisdom tooth removal? Worried about the procedure? We have you covered! The four wisdom teeth or the molars, located at the far end of the jaw are the last molars. These teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 - 25. Did you know - some people never develop wisdom teeth?  Wisdom teeth are not always problematic, for some, these molars erupt normally — just as their other molars did and cause no problems.  When they erupt without any problems, healthy wisdom teeth can be a valuable asset to your mouth.  But most of the time, the wisdom tooth appears to be either crooked or impacted or one lying perpendicular to the teeth roots. Sometimes, even if erupted properly, the cavity can form on the innermost side of the tooth.  If a wisdom tooth is impacted or in other words doesn't have room to grow - there will be pain and discomfort which will eventually result in the development of infection or other dental problems. In most of these cases,...
Read more

What Is Pyorrhea and How Can It Be Treated?

Image
The term pyorrhea comes from the Greek words Discharge of Pus. Pyorrhea, also known as periodontitis, is a multifactorial disease that directly affects oral gums and the bone. Yes, Pyorrhea affects the periodontium, that is, the organ that holds up the teeth and is made up of gingiva, bone, and ligament. Pyorrhea is bacterial in nature and is the result of advanced or untreated   gingivitis . Types of Pyorrhea These are some of the most common types of Pyorrhea: Chronic Pyorrhea : This is the most common type of pyorrhea. It is caused by gradual plaque buildup, which then causes gum recession and bone deterioration. This can get worse or improve based on how soon it has been treated. This type of Pyorrhea is known to mostly affect adults, but in no way does it mean that children are immune to it. Children too can be prone to Chronic Pyorrhea if dental hygiene is neglected.  Aggressive Pyorrhea : It is a hereditary type of Pyorrhea. And since it's hereditary, you would need you...
Read more

Common Signs & Symptoms of Gastro Disorders

Image
  Common Signs & Symptoms of Gastro Disorders Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders affect millions of people worldwide and can range from mild, temporary discomfort to serious chronic illnesses. These disorders impact the digestive tract, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Understanding the common signs, symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatments can help you take control of your digestive health. What Are Gastrointestinal Disorders? Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are conditions that affect the normal functioning of the digestive tract. They are broadly classified into two categories: Functional GI Disorders:  The GI tract appears structurally normal but doesn’t function efficiently. Example: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Structural GI Disorders:  Involve visible physical damage, such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis). Common Ca...
Read more