Hydrocephalus – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Hydrocephalus – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments of this disease that many are unaware of. Furthermore, Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of fluid within the ventricles (spaces in the brain) or the subarachnoid space. This fluid is formed in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system and is absorbed into the blood stream 

It has several functions and, among them, it protects the brain and spinal cord against shocks, acting as a cushion. The condition in question arises when there is an imbalance between the amount of this liquid produced and the amount that is absorbed.

This imbalance can occur due to an obstruction in the drainage of fluid into the blood system , or it can also occur for other reasons, such as excess production of cerebrospinal fluid. As a result of the increase in cerebrospinal fluid, the ventricles dilate, leading to increased pressure within the skull.

Causes of Hydrocephalus: This disease can have a congenital cause, being mainly related to three causes:

• Genetics (hereditary);
• Spina bifida;
• Premature newborns.

In cases of acquired hydrocephalus, the causes may be:

• Infections (mumps, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, polio, among others);
• Intraventricular hemorrhage;
• Meningitis;
• injuries;
• tumors;
• cysts;
• Sylvius Aqueduct Stenosis.

Hydrocephalus is classified according to its cause:

Obstructive or Non-communicating:  This is when there is a blockage in the ventricular system of the brain , preventing cerebrospinal fluid from flowing normally through the brain and spinal cord. This obstruction can arise at birth or even after.

Non-obstructive or Communicating:  It results from low fluid production or absorption. It is more common to occur when there is bleeding in the subarachnoid space, and it can be present at birth or appear later.

Normal pressure:  This type is an acquired communicating hydrocephalus , where the ventricles are dilated, however, there is no increase in pressure, appearing more frequently in elderly people. It results from trauma or disease, but the causes are not yet fully understood.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus: The main signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus are:

• Abnormal growth of the skull.
• Tense fontanelle.
• Abnormal spacing between the bones of the skull.
• Stretched scalp.
• Irritability.
• Epileptic attacks.
• Headaches.
• Difficulties in locomotion.
• Loss of physical skills.
• Personality changes.
• vomiting .
• Lethargy.

In addition, there may be problems with learning, concentration, logical reasoning, memory, coordination, organization, location in time and space, motivation, as well as precocious puberty and visual difficulties.

Hydrocephalus Treatments:  The main goals of treatment for Hydrocephalus are to reduce and prevent brain damage by improving and correcting CSF flow. The main goals of treatment for Hydrocephalus are to reduce and prevent brain damage by improving and correcting CSF flow. If necessary, surgery may be an option to perform this correction.

If not, a flexible tube can be placed in the brain to redirect the flow of CSF. This tube, called a shunt, sends the CSF to another part of the body, such as the belly area, where it can be absorbed.

Other Treatments May Include:

• Antibiotics in case of infection
• A procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (EVT), which relieves pressure without replacing the shunt
• Removal or cauterization of the parts of the brain that produce CSF

Also, the patient will need regular check-ups to make sure there are no further problems. Regular examinations will be carried out to check the child’s development, for example, and to see if there are any intellectual, neurological or physical problems. Visiting nurses, social services, support groups and local agencies can provide emotional support and assistance to a child with hydrocephalus who has significant brain damage.