Hydrocephalus (Neurology)

Acute

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting harmful pressure on the brain's tissues.

There are a number of symptoms of Hydrocephalus, which may include
  • Blurred or double vision.
  • Headaches.
  • Loss of bladder control.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Problems with balance, coordination, speech, or memory.
  • Sleepiness.
There are a number of Complications of Hydrocephalus, which may include
  • Visual changes.
  • Temporal lobe herniation.
  • Cognitive dysfunction.
  • Incontinence.
  • Gait problems.
  • Electrolyte imbalance.
  • Metabolic acidosis.
  • Shunt obstruction.
There are a number of Causes of Hydrocephalus, which may include
  • Bleeding inside the brain – for example, if blood leaks over the surface of the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
  • Blood clots in the brain (venous thrombosis)
  • Meningitis – an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Brain tumors.
  • Head injury.

You can't prevent hydrocephalus in your child. But your baby's healthcare provider may suggest genetic counseling if you plan to have more children. Through counseling, you can learn about the risk for this condition in future pregnancies. You may also need testing during pregnancy to check for hydrocephalus.

ertain factors can increase the risk of developing hydrocephalus at any age, including: Brain or spinal cord tumors. Infections of the central nervous system such as bacterial meningitis. Injury or stroke that causes bleeding in the brain.

 

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
  • A shunt (tube) is surgically inserted into the brain and connected to a flexible tube placed under the skin to drain the excess fluid into either the chest cavity or the abdomen so it can be absorbed by the body.
  • Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) improves the flow of CSF out of the brain.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Shunt surgery. During shunt surgery, a thin tube called a shunt is implanted in your brain.
  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

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