On this page, you will find everything you are looking for concerning hydrocephalus.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, pressing on the brain tissue. Hydrocephalus can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in infants and the elderly. There are two main types:
Communicating Hydrocephalus: Occurs when the cerebrospinal fluid is obstructed between one of the cavities while the rest of the pathways remain open.
Non-communicating Hydrocephalus: Occurs when the cerebrospinal fluid flow is blocked in one or more of the narrow passages connecting the cavities.
What are the Symptoms of Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another and largely depend on age.
Signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:
Rapid increase in head size.
Abnormally large head due to the skull bones not fusing, with fluid accumulation.
Swelling on the soft spot (fontanel) at the top of the head.
Vomiting.
Feeding difficulties.
Drowsiness.
Seizures.
Symptoms in older children and adults may include:
Headache
Vision problems.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Balance problems.
Delayed or loss of developmental progress, such as walking or speaking.
Poor academic and job performance.
Poor coordination and balance between body movements.
Loss of bladder control and/or frequent urination.
Difficulty staying awake.
Changes in personality or cognition, including memory loss.
What Causes Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus may be present at birth (congenital) or may develop over time due to injury or disease (acquired).
Congenital Hydrocephalus: Children may be born with hydrocephalus or develop the condition shortly after birth. In these cases, the cause may be:
Genetic abnormalities obstructing cerebrospinal fluid flow.
Developmental disorders, such as defects in the brain, spinal cord, or spine.
Complications from premature birth include intraventricular hemorrhage.
Infections during pregnancy, like rubella, can cause inflammation in the fetal brain tissue.
Acquired Hydrocephalus:
Some 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.
Injuries or strokes causing brain bleeding.
How is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination, and may also request additional procedures as required, such as:
Ultrasound
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
CT scan (Computed Tomography)
Lumbar puncture: Allows doctors to estimate the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and analyze the fluid by inserting a needle into the lower back and withdrawing some fluid for testing.
Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP): Through a small device inserted into the skull to measure brain pressure.
Fundoscopy: Uses a special device to view the optic nerve at the back of the eye.
A neurological examination may also include tests to determine:
Muscle strength and reflexes.
Coordination and balance.
Vision, eye movement, and hearing.
Mental performance and mood.
How is Hydrocephalus Treated?
Treatment involves several procedures as required, and may include:
Shunt system: A surgical procedure involving placing a flexible tube in the brain to drain excess fluid, which is the most common treatment method.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): With this surgery, a small hole is made in the floor of the third ventricle. This creates a path for the fluid to flow in and around the brain as usual. This procedure is generally performed on children over 2 years old.
How Can Hydrocephalus Be Prevented?
There are no preventive measures for hydrocephalus as its causes are varied, and there are no preliminary screening tests.
What are the Complications of Hydrocephalus?
The pressure from too much cerebrospinal fluid can prevent the brain from functioning properly and cause brain damage.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in the child, you should consult a doctor to take the appropriate actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hydrocephalus a hereditary disease?
No, hydrocephalus is not a hereditary condition in itself, but one of its causes may be a genetic disease.
Is hydrocephalus a chronic, incurable disease?
No, it is a treatable disease, and a person can live a completely normal life.
I noticed my infant’s head was not normal after birth. Does this mean they have hydrocephalus?
No, many factors can cause changes in the shape and size of a child’s head, one of the most notable being head expansion during natural childbirth. Therefore, it’s important to visit a doctor post-birth to understand the proper ways to help restore the child’s head to its natural size if the cause is non-pathological.
