What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus means water in the brain). The function of this substance is to protect the brain, but in excess it puts harmful pressure on the brain. It also surrounds the spinal cord.
This pathology can appear when the baby is in the womb or by genetic predisposition (congenital), as well as at birth or after birth (acquired). It is a common pathology in infants with myelomeningocele.
Prognosis of the disease
Hydrocephalus can cause permanent damage to the brain and problems with physical and mental development. Patients who are treated can lead a normal life (albeit with certain limitations), but if left untreated it can be fatal.
The best prognosis for hydrocephalus is for hydrocephalus that is not due to infection.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus may present with
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Eyes that seem to look down
Hydrocephalus can cause permanent damage to the brain and problems with physical and mental
and problems with physical and mental development.
And in older children:
- Headache
- Balance problems
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Incontinence
- Problems with thinking and memory
In addition, in infants this pathology causes protrusion of the soft spot on their head.
Medical tests for hydrocephalus
To diagnose hydrocephalus, a CT scan of the head is performed, which may be accompanied by arteriography, radioisotope brain scan, ultrasound of the skull, lumbar puncture and x-rays.
What are the causes of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus may be caused by genetic problems or by problems in the fetus during pregnancy. What happens when it appears can be:
- Blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow.
- CSF fails to be absorbed into the blood.
- The brain produces too much CSF, when this occurs, the CSF puts pressure on the brain, pushing it up and damaging brain tissue.
Can it be prevented?
The baby’s head can be protected from injury, and infections and other disorders associated with hydrocephalus can be avoided.
Treatments for hydrocephalus
Treatment for hydrocephalus includes surgery to implant a shunt, a flexible but sturdy tube that diverts the flow of fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed. Other complementary measures may include medications, removal of the parts of the brain that produce CSF, and rehabilitation.
What specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats hydrocephalus is the neurosurgeon.