What is the main cause of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes brain swelling. The name means “water on the brain.” Show
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) usually moves within the brain’s cavities, also known as ventricles. But during hydrocephalus, excess fluid causes the ventricles to expand, putting pressure on other parts of the brain. Brain damage can occur as a result of this fluid buildup. This can lead to developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments. It requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. Hydrocephalus mainly occurs in children and adults aged over 60 years, but younger adults can get it too. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that 1 to 2 of every 1,000 babies is born with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition and seek medical attention. It’s most common in children but can develop in people of any age. InfantsEarly signs of hydrocephalus in infants include:
Toddlers and older childrenSymptoms or signs that affect toddlers and older children include:
Young and middle-aged adultsSymptoms in young and middle-aged adults include:
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)This form of the condition usually begins slowly and is more common in adults over the age of 60. One of the earliest signs is falling suddenly without losing consciousness. Other common symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) include:
What does hydrocephalus look like?Below, we compare a CT image of a brain with hydrocephalus to one without. Swollen ventricles in the brain cause hydrocephalus. To understand how hydrocephalus develops, it’s important to understand the function of CSF in the brain, how too much can cause adverse effects right across the body, and what can cause hydrocephalus. Share on PinterestHydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds in the ventricles in the brain, causing increased pressure in the brain.Illustration by Antonio Jimenez Why is cerebrospinal fluid important?CSF usually flows through your brain and spinal cord. This vital fluid protects the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion that absorbs the shock from impact or injury. It also helps by transporting waste products away from the central nervous system, helping it work at full capacity. Your brain and spinal cord support:
Why do cerebrospinal fluid levels increase?Under certainconditions, the amount of CSF in your brain increases. The amount of CSF can increase when:
Too much of this fluid puts your brain under too much pressure. This increased pressure can cause brain swelling, which can damage your brain tissue and lead to some of the functional and cognitive issues that occur due to hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus from birthIn some cases, hydrocephalus starts before a baby is born. This can result from:
Hydrocephalus in children/young adultsThis condition can also occur in infants, toddlers, and older children due to:
Hydrocephalus in older adults: Normal pressure hydrocephalusWhen hydrocephalus occurs in adults (usually those over 60 years of age), CSF levels rise, but the amount of pressure is usually normal. But it still causes the brain to swell and can lead to impaired functioning. In adults, this condition usually results from conditions that prevent CSF from flowing. But in some cases, there’s no known cause. You might be at higher risk if you’ve experienced any of the following:
Here’s what to expect when seeing a doctor about hydrocephalus. Physical examinationIf you suspect that you or your child has hydrocephalus, your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms. In children, doctors check for:
Ultrasound scanYour doctor may also use an ultrasound to get a closer look at the brain. These tests use high-frequency sound waves to create images of the brain. This type of ultrasound can only be done in babies whose fontanel (soft spot) is still open. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scansThese can indicate signs of excess CSF. MRIs use a magnetic field and radio waves to make a cross-sectional image of the brain. Computerized tomography (CT) scansThese can also help diagnose hydrocephalus in children and adults. CT scans use several different X-rays to form a cross-sectional image of the brain. These scans can show enlarged brain ventricles that result from too much CSF. Hydrocephalus can be fatal without treatment. Interventions may not reverse all brain damage that’s already occurred, but its goal is to restore the flow of CSF and prevent further brain damage. Your doctor may explore either of the following surgical options. Shunt insertionIn most cases, a surgeon surgically inserts a shunt. The shunt is a drainage system consisting of a long tube with a valve. The valve helps CSF flow at a normal rate and in the right direction. Your doctor inserts one end of the tube in your brain and the other end into your chest or abdominal cavity. Excess fluid then drains from the brain and out the other end of the tube, where it becomes easier to absorb. A shunt implant is typically permanent and requires regular monitoring. VentriculostomyA surgeon can perform a procedure called a ventriculostomy as an alternative to shunt insertion. This involves making a hole at the bottom of a ventricle or in between ventricles, allowing CSF to leave the brain and relieving pressure. The outlook for someone with hydrocephalus depends largely on the extent of their symptoms and how soon they receive treatment. Outlook for childrenMany children experience lifelong brain damage after hydrocephalus. Their outlook will depend on:
By working with a range of healthcare professionals, children can learn to manage their disability and lessen the lifelong effects. These may include:
Outlook for adultsAdults with severe symptoms of hydrocephalus might need to work with occupational therapists. Others may require long-term care. Some might need the care of medical specialists who focus on dementia. The long-term effects of this condition vary widely, depending on individual circumstances. Talk with your doctor about the outlook for your presentation of hydrocephalus. You can’t prevent hydrocephalus, but you can lower your risk and your child’s risk for developing the condition in the following ways:
By taking steps to hydrocephalus, you can reduce your risk for permanent disability, as well as that of your child. What are the three causes of hydrocephalus?Possible causes of acquired hydrocephalus include: bleeding inside the brain – for example, if blood leaks over the surface of the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage) blood clots in the brain (venous thrombosis) meningitis – an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Who is most likely to hydrocephalus?Hydrocephalus can affect anyone at any age but is most common in infants and older adults. Some of these cases can be associated with abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. The two major types of hydrocephalus are called communicating hydrocephalus and non-communicating hydrocephalus.
What is the life expectancy of a person with hydrocephalus?What is the life expectancy of a child who has hydrocephalus? Children often have a full life span if hydrocephalus is caught early and treated. Infants who undergo surgical treatment to reduce the excess fluid in the brain and survive to age 1 will not have a shortened life expectancy due to hydrocephalus.
Can hydrocephalus be cured?Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults age 60 and older.
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