Working of our brain occurs in a very dynamic manner. Each and every function is carried perfectly. Our brain is protected by many things. A functional brain is necessary for our survival. If something wrong happens to the vitality of the brain then one may have to suffer.
Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects the brain. In this the cerebrospinal fluid present in the brain starts building up in the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles suffer due to this and overall pressure is created on the brain and its tissues. Due to the buildup many things happen to the individual.
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This blog will talk about hydrocephalus and how it can be treated. Things like symptoms, types, etc will also be shared in this blog. Read the following sections and know more.
Introduction Hydrocephalus Treatments
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
This condition can occur at birth or someone might have met with an accident or injury which may lead to this. The symptoms in infants are different from adults. You can check symptoms in this section.
Symptoms that may be present in infants are shared as follows-
- The head of the child can be large.
- The placement of eyes can be fixed downwards.
- Children may get seizures.
- Size of the head rapidly increases.
- Vomiting can be a symptom.
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Symptoms in adult are shared as follows–
- Coordination may suffer.
- Changes in cognition.
- Irritability.
- One may feel difficulty in sleeping.
- Vision related problems.
- Dementia can be a symptom of it in older adults.
These were the symptoms for hydrocephalus. Let us now talk about the types of hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus types
There are many types of hydrocephalus. The types of hydrocephalus are shared in this section.
- Communicating hydrocephalus is a type of condition in which the csf fluid blocks after getting out of ventricles.
- When the csf is blocked between ventricles passage then this is called non communicating csf.
- Bleeding when occurs in the brain then it is called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
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- When brain tissues and ventricles shrink then it results in hydrocephalus ex vacuo.
All these are types of hydrocephalus. The types may determine the severity of hydrocephalus. The condition may vary according to the mild hydrocephalus or severe hydrocephalus.
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus is done via different methods. The doctor can ask to undergo tests like-
- Ultrasound is helpful in diagnosing newborn babies.
- Magnetic resonance imaging can help by giving a good view of ventricles and its surroundings.
- Spinal tap is done to estimate the pressure of csf. It happens by injecting needles in the lower back.
- CT scan is also a useful way.
- Fundoscopic examination is done to diagnose the eye related symptoms.
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- Intracranial pressure monitoring is done to measure the pressure in the head.
The methods of diagnosis vary according to doctor and patient. It is good to consult a good doctor for better diagnosis.
Treatment of Hydrocephalus
The methods of hydrocephalus involve surgery and the surgeries that are done are shared as follows.
- A shunt is placed in the brain and then the fluid is taken to the chest or abdomen. The removal of fluid from ventricles is necessary. The fluid is absorbed by the abdomen and chest cavity then surgery is successful.
- ETV i.e endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a procedure in which a hole is made and the fluid is diverted.
- Choroid plexus cauterization is done by burning the tissue that is present in lateral ventricles so it produces less fluid.
These treatment procedures of hydrocephalus are to be done with proper care. One should pay attention by consulting the best doctor. Only a specialized surgeon is to be consulted.
Complications
If the treatment is not done then many kinds of complications can occur. One may feel disturbed by the cognition and the functioning of the brain can affect daily life.
Physical symptoms will cause pain and it will make things worse. It is best to treat hydrocephalus so that life can be lived to its fullest.
Side effects of hydrocephalus Treatment
The side effects associated with hydrocephalus are many. It can be related to mental and social life. Although hydrocephalus is curable through surgery but along with this it can consist of side effects like-
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- Headaches.
- Seizures may happen.
- Sleepiness.
- Fever.
- Neck can be sore.
- Pain in shoulder.
- Recurrence of symptoms can occur in some cases.
Prognosis
Hydrocephalus is of different types. The diagnosis can be done in different modes. If the surgery is done timely then the life of the patient can be changed.
For supporting children or adults with this professional mental health therapists can play a role in dealing with cognition.
Consulting doctors timely can help you in many ways. Proper care and attention is to be given to the patient. Hydrocephalus medication is to be given properly.
Risk factor
The risk factors for hydrocephalus are shared in this section. The risk factors are as follows.
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- Inheritance can play a big role in this.
- Infections in pregnancy can lead to this.
- Some developmental disorders can affect hydrocephalus.
- Infections in any life period can impact this.
- Stroke can be a risk factor.
- Tumors.
Pre/post care
By getting checked at regular intervals and doing follow up check ups can help. It is better to eat healthy and to follow the advice of the doctor after getting surgery.
If any signs show up then get in touch with the doctor immediately. Keep a note on the medical procedure of hydrocephalus.
Treatment Cost of Hydrocephalus
Treatment of hydrocephalus in India is available. Treatment without surgery depends upon severity of condition.
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For surgeries in India the treatment cost can vary from Rs 15 lakhs to 20 lakhs. The place and location along with the surgeon determines the cost.
Along with surgery medicines are given in which the fluid is balanced. Hydrocephalus is to be treated with the help of a good surgeon.
After surgery properly care is to be taken. Pay attention to signs and keep in touch with your doctor.
Hydrocephalus can bring many changes in life but one should have faith and patience to deal with it.
