Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder in which the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid flow in the ventricles of the Brain increases than the normal scale. As a result, it pressurises the Brain’s ventricles, causing multiple other brain disorders. The brain disorder is usually observed in infants or people above 60 years of age group.
Types of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is divided into different types depending on the symptoms of the brain disorder:
Communicating Hydrocephalus
Obstructive Hydrocephalus
Normal-pressure Hydrocephalus
Congenital Hydrocephalus
Acquired Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Obstruction- Obstruction in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is one of the leading causes of Hydrocephalus. The obstruction in the liquid flow pressurises Brain’s ventricles, leading to many other brain disorders.
Inflammation– Inflammation of the brain’s tissues due to any form of disease or injury caused is also one of the causes of hydrocephalus. It leads to lower absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles making it difficult for the Brain to function smoothly.
Overproduction– Overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid is also one of the causes of hydrocephalus. The situation leads to lower absorption of the fluid and excess production. It can be one of the reasons for brain damage or can also be fatal in the case of chronic conditions.
Blood Clots– Blood clots in the ventricles of the Brain are also one of the major causes of hydrocephalus. The clots cease fluid flow in the ventricles, acting as a hurdle in the proper functioning of the Brain. If the condition is not treated correctly, it can also turn fatal.
Risk factors for Hydrocephalus
Mentioned below are the risk factors for hydrocephalus that make an individual more prone to getting affected by the medical disorder:
Brain or Spinal Cord Tumours
Infections of the Central Nervous System
Brain Stroke
Genetic Factors
Premature Birth of a Baby
Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
Imbalance in Walking– Imbalance in walking is one of the signs of hydrocephalus. Improper flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the Brain leads to improper functioning of the Brain. Hence, the Brain cannot provide proper signals to the body, leading to an imbalance while walking.
Vomiting– Vomiting is also one of the symptoms of hydrocephalus. The brain cannot properly signal the body’s digestive system, leading to digestive issues like vomiting and indigestion. The imbalance of the fluid also leads to many other health and internal issues.
Headache– Headache is also one of the signs of hydrocephalus. The affected individual is unable to make proper decisions or concentrate on things. In addition, due to an imbalance of the fluid in the ventricles of the Brain, one might experience chronic headaches.
Various other signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:
Personality Changes
Impaired Bladder Control
Decrease in Mental Agility
Lethargy
Abnormal Head Size
Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus
Medications– Medications for hydrocephalus help lower the medical disorder’s symptoms. The medicines help maintain the fluid balance and allow the brain to function properly. They also help in the proper functioning of the body.
Shunt Treatment– Shunt treatment is one of the most effective Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus. The procedure involves the insertion of a pipe-like structure called a shunt inside Brain’s ventricles to absorb excess fluid. The structure is then diverted to another body part, where the excess fluid can be absorbed seamlessly. The procedure has to be performed with utmost care, specifically in the case of a child.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy– Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy is also one of the opted Treatment
Options for Hydrocephalus. The procedure involves making an incision by the doctor at the blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid. The main aim of the treatment is also to remove excess fluid from the Brain for its proper functioning.
Conclusion
Hydrocephalus is a brain disorder that directly hampers the whole body’s functioning. Hence, in case of any neurological disorder, it is advised to immediately rush to a doctor and get the symptoms checked to identify the root cause of the disorder.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the common symptoms of hydrocephalus?
A. Imbalance while walking, personality disorders, abnormal size of the head, and other similar signs are some common symptoms of hydrocephalus.
Q. How is Hydrocephalus diagnosed?
A. A general physical exam and a neurological exam are some steps a doctor performs to identify the medical disorder. A doctor may also suggest brain imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound, and an MRI to diagnose hydrocephalus.
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