Hydrocephalus Overview:
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much fluid builds up in the brain. The fluid collects in cavities called ventricles. The fluid is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid that normally surrounds both the spinal cord and the brain.
Hydrocephalus is sometimes familiarly called "water on the brain." (The word "hydrocephalus" in Greek literally means "watery head.")
The causes of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus can be due to many causes including a birth defect, hemorrhage into the brain, infection, meningitis, tumor, or head injury. Most forms of hydrocephalus are the result of an obstructed flow of CSF in the ventricles (normal cavities) in the center of the brain. With birth defects, the physical obstruction of CSF flow through the ventricles is usually the cause of the hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a common companion of a birth defect called spina bifida (meningomyelocele).
Signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus?
The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus depend upon the age of the person.
- In infants, the most obvious sign of hydrocephalus is usually an abnormally large head. This occurs because of the constant outward pressure on the brain and skull from the hydrocephalus during the development and growth of the head. (That is one reason a baby's head should be measured at every well-baby visit).
The symptoms of hydrocephalus in an infant may include vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, an inability to look upwards, and seizures.
- In older children and adults, there is no head enlargement from hydrocephalus (because the skull bones are all fused together and cannot permit the enlargement). Symptoms of the condition may include headache, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, blurred vision. There may be problems with balance and coordination, and delayed development in walking or talking in young children.
Irritability, fatigue, seizures, and personality changes such as an inability to concentrate or remember things may also develop. Drowsiness and double vision are common symptoms as hydrocephalus progresses.
The Treatment of Hydrocephlus?
Treatment may include:
- Shunt placement (ventriculoperitoneal shunt)—In this surgical procedure, a shunt (a tube system that is implanted into the brain) allows excess CSF to drain into another area, usually the abdomen. Sometimes a temporary extraventricular drain (EVD) is placed.
- Third ventriculostomy—This surgical procedure creates a hole in an area of the brain. It allows the CSF to flow out of the area where it is accumulating.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)—This involves the insertion of a needle between the lumbar vertebrae in the back to remove excess CSF.
- Medications—In some cases, medications, such as acetazolamide (Diamox) and furosemide (Lasix), may decrease the production of CSF.
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