Hydrocephalus is a condition in which fluid builds up on the brain instead of draining normally to and from the brain. Why does it occur? What are the causes and complications of the situation?

What is hydrocephalus?

It is a condition in which fluid accumulates inside the skull and around the brain, which causes great pressure on the brain tissue, and may lead to a significant increase in the size of the head, and if the patient does not receive the necessary care, this condition may be fatal.

It is worth noting that the fluid that accumulates around the brain is not water, but rather the cerebrospinal fluid, which plays a very important role in protecting the nervous system, nourishing the brain and purifying it from toxins, and is usually absorbed by the blood vessels in the brain regularly.

Types of hydrocephalus

There are several types of hydrocephalus, the most important of which are

Congenital hydrocephalus, which appears from birth and may result from things, such as: a woman''s infection with German measles during pregnancy, or it may be a congenital defect, which is one of the most common birth defects.

Acquired hydrocephalus usually appears after a stroke, brain tumor, meningitis, or head injury.

Compensatory hydrocephalus.

Communicative hydrocephalus and noncommunicative hydrocephalus.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, usually affects the elderly.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus

The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary according to the case, there is acquired hydrocephalus, congenital hydrocephalus and many other types, and these are the symptoms of the two types mentioned above:

1. Symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus

This type of hydrocephalus usually affects adults, or it may arise after birth, and these are the most important symptoms:

Vision problems, such as blurry or double vision.

Problems with concentration and cognition, and personality changes.

Anorexia.

Walking problems and difficulties.

Nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Faecal incontinence or urinary incontinence.

cramps.

a headache.

2. Symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus

A child is born with this type of hydrocephalus, and these are the visible symptoms

The baby''s scalp is shiny and thin, and the blood vessels can be seen clearly through them.

Breathing problems and difficulties.

The child''s unwillingness to breastfeed.

Cramps and stiffness in the extremities, or the infant''s inability to move his head and neck.

Very intense crying.

vomiting and cramps

Abnormally protruding anterior fontanelles.

Big and swollen head.

Delay in the natural stages of the infant''s growth, such as: crawling and sitting.

Causes and risk factors for hydrocephalus

There are many factors that may cause hydrocephalus or increase the chances of developing it, the most important of which are:

1. Causes of hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus occurs due to the accumulation of fluid around the brain as a result of one of the following:

Cerebrospinal fluid inability to enter the blood vessels.

Increased production of cerebrospinal fluid.

Having a stroke.

Injury to the fetus with spina bifida.

The pregnant woman was exposed to infections and viruses during pregnancy, such as: German measles, toxoplasmosis, and mumps.

An abnormality that prevents the flow of cerebrospinal fluid out of the brain.

Problems and diseases such as: diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

2. Hydrocephalus risk factors

Among the most important things that may increase the chances of developing hydrocephalus are the following:

Brain haemorrhage, head trauma or severe injury.

Problems and tumors in the brain or spinal cord, or infections in the nervous system.

Problems, complications and complications of pregnancy.

Problems with the development of the fetus in the womb.

Premature birth.

Diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus

The condition is usually diagnosed with x-rays, CT scans of the head, or various tests of the nervous system, and these are the most important treatment options available:

Making a shunt to help drain the fluid accumulated in the skull.

Expand the cerebral cavity.

Lumbar puncture or lumbar pumping test.

Hydrocephalus prevention

There are many preventive measures that help protect against hydrocephalus, the most important of which are:

Pregnant women receive all necessary examinations, and follow up closely with the doctor at all stages of pregnancy.

Get a meningococcal graft on time.

Wear a seat belt in moving vehicles to protect against head injuries.

Wear protective helmets when doing some sports or riding a bike.