Hydrocephalus is a condition where the brain ventricles are abnormally enlarged. It is caused by the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid. Hydrocephalus can cause brain damage or death if it is untreated. Although there isn't a cure for this disease, it is possible to manage it.There are three different types of hydrocephalus. One is Congenital Hydrocephalus which is a birth defect and is present at birth. Another is Acquired Hydrocephalus which is triggered by tumors, infection or bleeding on the brain. The other is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus which attacks older people.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to symptoms. They include seizures, enlarged skull in infants, memory problems, headaches, nausea, vision problems, incontinence, difficulty walking and hearing sensitivites.
2. Contact your doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor will run a number of tests to see if you have the condition. A physical exam, CT scan, MRI scan and/or eye exam will be done at this time.
3. Get treated. At the time of your diagnosis your doctor will decide the best route of treatment to take at the time. Antibiotics will be given to clear out the infection. If the removal of the infection does not resolve the hydrocephalus, then surgery is the next step. If there aren't any symptoms but hydrocephalus is present in a CT or MRI scan, your doctor may use the 'wait and see' approach while continuing to monitor the condition.If surgery is needed, there are two different types that can be done. One is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt where a neurosurgeon cuts a hole in the skull to access the brain. A tube is then inserted and run under the skin to the abdomen. The abdomen is also cut to access the abdominal cavity where the other end of the tube is inserted. The excess cerebrospinal fluid is drained from the brain and put back into the abdominal cavity where the fluid can be reabsorbed. The shunt is operated via a one way valve; there is never danger that the fluid will flow backwards and fill the brain. The other surgery that can be done is a procedure where a neurosurgeon goes in with a small camera and try to fix the problem with a flexible tool called an endoscope by inserting it into the lateral ventricles of the brain.
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