Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is the build up of excess fluid within the brain. Often caused by an obstruction in the brain that prevents proper fluid drainage, the ventricles of the brain may enlarge to accommodate the extra fluid, and put pressure on different parts of the brain, causing many troubling symptoms. This condition is usually present at birth, although it may develop later in life as a result of lesions or tumors within the brain, central nervous system infections or severe head injuries.
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and may be caused by genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders. Babies born prematurely with severe bleeding within the ventricles of the brain are also likely to develop hydrocephalus. Acquired hydrocephalus, can affect people of any age and it may be caused by bleeding in the brain from a stroke or head injury, brain tumors, infections such as bacterial meningitis, or traumatic head injury. Some older adults over the age of 60 may develop hydrocephalus, as excessive fluid builds up slowly from poor drainage, and the enlarged ventricles gradually press on the brain and cause symptoms.
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
Patients with hydrocephalus may experience many different symptoms depending on the patient's age and the progression of the disease. Symptoms may include:
Infants
Infants born with this condition often have an unusually large head that increases in size, and may experience:
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Seizures
- Developmental delays
Infants with hydrocephalus may also have eyes that are fixed downwards and a bulging fontanel, or soft spot, on the top of their head.
Older Children and Adults
Hydrocephalus may develop in older children or adults and symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Urinary incontinence
Difficulty walking and problems with balance are often symptoms of hydrocephalus in older children or adults.
Each patient may experience a different combination of symptoms depending on their individual condition. It is important to seek medical attention for hydrocephalus to prevent complications such as brain damage and physical disabilities and to help patients live a healthy, normal life.
Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus
In infants, hydrocephalus can often be diagnosed during a normal prenatal ultrasound. After the baby is born, hydrocephalus may be suspected if the child has an abnormally large head. In older children and adults, hydrocephalus is diagnosed through a physical examination and neurological evaluation. Additional diagnostic imaging tests of the brain may include a CT or MRI scan. Tests to measure and monitor brain pressure may also be performed.
Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Treatment for hydrocephalus usually involves surgery to restore proper fluid drainage within the brain. There are two procedures commonly used to treat hydrocephalus.
Insertion of a Shunt
This procedure may be performed by placing a shunt, or a long flexible tube, within one of the ventricles of the brain, and directing it to another part of the body where the excess fluid can be easily absorbed. The shunt may be directed to the abdomen or a chamber in the heart.
Ventriculostomy
A ventriculostomy may also be performed to treat hydrocephalus. The surgeon creates a hole in the bottom of one of the brain's ventricles. This then allows fluid to flow normally.
If there are long term complications that have occurred as a result of hydrocephalus, additional treatments such as occupational therapy, developmental therapy or other physical and social therapies may be beneficial.