Hydrocephalus means “water on the brain”. It is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. It causes the brain to swell, increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.
Facts about Hydrocephalus
Mainly occurs in children and adults over 60
Can be congenital, or present at birth
Leads to developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is caused by increased volume of CSF in brain. Volume of CSF may increase due to any of the following reasons:
Obstruction that may prevent normal flow of CSF
Decreased ability of blood vessels to absorb CSF
Excessive production of CSF by brain
Causes of hydrocephalus that starts before a baby is born:
Birth defect in which the spinal column doesn’t close
Genetic abnormality
Infections like rubella during pregnancy
Causes of hydrocephalus in infants, toddlers, and older children due to:
Central nervous system infections such as meningitis
Central nervous system tumors
Bleeding in the brain during or shortly after delivery
Injuries that occur before, during, or after delivery
Head trauma
Risk factors of Hydrocephalus
Individuals with following factors are at higher risk of developing hydrocephalus:
Brain-related infections such as meningitis
Brain tumor
Head injuries/trauma
Bleeding from a blood vessel in brain
Brain surgery
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
It is very important to recognise hydrocephalus symptoms as early as possible due to its probability of causing permanent brain damage. Its symptoms are different are different stages of life and may include following according to age of the patient:
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Infants
Bulging of the soft spot on the surface of the skull
Rapid increase in head circumference
An unusually large head
Eyes fixed downward
Seizures
Irritability
Extreme fussiness
Vomiting
Excessive sleepiness
Poor feeding
Low muscle tone and strength
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Toddlers and Older Children
Larger than normal head
Short, high-pitched cries
Personality changes
Changes in facial structure
Crossed eyes
Headaches
Blurred or double vision
Muscle spasms
Delayed growth
Trouble eating
Poor appetite
Extreme sleepiness
Difficulty remaining awake or waking up
Irritability
Loss of coordination
Unstable balance
Loss of bladder control
Vomiting or nausea
Seizures
Problems concentrating
Decline in school performance
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Chronic headaches
Loss of coordination or balance
Difficulty walking
Difficulty in remaining awake or waking up
Bladder problems
Vision problems
Poor memory
Difficulty concentrating
Decline in memory
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Older adults Hydrocephalus in older individuals above 60 years of age is called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Its symptoms include:
Suddenly falling without losing consciousness
Changes in the walking style
Impaired mental functions, such as memory problems
Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills
Trouble controlling urine
Trouble controlling stools
Poor coordination or balance
Slower than normal movements
Headaches
Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus requires thorough physical and neurological examination of the patient along with look out for any symptoms associated with hydrocephalus. In addition to this, following diagnostic tests may help the physician to confirm the diagnosis:
Ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Computerized tomography (CT) scans
Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a fatal condition that should be treated as early as possible to prevent serious complications. Although treatment may not reverse the damage done to brain but it can definitely prevent further brain damage. Treatment may include any of the following:
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