The abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) buildup in the brain’s ventricles causes hydrocephalus. CSF is a transparent, colorless fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, offering cushioning and injury protection. However, when CSF’s production, flow, or absorption is disrupted, it can accumulate in the brain and cause pressure and damage to the surrounding tissues. There are two types of hydrocephalus Oxnard: congenital (present at birth) and acquired (developed later in life).
Congenital hydrocephalus is usually caused by genetic abnormalities, prenatal infections, or other factors that affect brain development during fetal growth. Acquired hydrocephalus, conversely, can result from head injuries, infections, tumors, or other conditions that affect the brain.
The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on the severity and progression of the condition, but they often include the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision problems
- Cognitive difficulties
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Urinary incontinence
Diagnosing hydrocephalus typically involves imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds, which can visualize the size and shape of the ventricles and the amount of fluid within them. Treatment usually involves a surgical intervention to relieve the pressure and drain the excess fluid.
This may be done through the insertion of a shunt, which is a thin tube that diverts the excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed, or through an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which creates a small opening in the ventricles to allow the fluid to drain.
Complications of hydrocephalus can include cognitive and developmental delays, seizures, vision problems, and even death in severe cases. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many individuals with hydrocephalus can lead relatively normal lives with little to no long-term effects.
Hydrocephalus treatment options
The treatment options for hydrocephalus depend on the condition’s cause, severity, and progression. The main goal of treatment is to relieve the pressure on the brain and prevent or minimize damage to the surrounding tissues. The most common treatment options for hydrocephalus are surgical interventions, although medications may also be used in some cases.
Surgical treatments
- Shunt placement: This is the most common surgical treatment for hydrocephalus. A shunt is a thin tube inserted into the brain ventricle where the excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates. The other end of the shunt is placed either in the abdominal cavity or the heart. The shunt diverts the excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body, where it can be reabsorbed.
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): In this surgical procedure, a small hole is made in the floor of the third ventricle, allowing the excess CSF to escape and be reabsorbed. This procedure is usually performed in children with hydrocephalus caused by an obstruction in the ventricular system.
Medication
In some cases, medications may be used to treat hydrocephalus. For example, diuretics, which help reduce the production of CSF, may be used to treat hydrocephalus caused by a tumor or other growth blocking the flow of CSF.
Hydrocephalus is a condition that requires long-term management, even after initial treatment. Proper management can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for those with hydrocephalus.
To learn more about hydrocephalus, contact your doctor at Link Neuroscience Institute.