Hydrocephalus or hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebral fluid builds up in cavities called the brain ventricles. Symptoms of hydrocephalus purposes vary with age. 1. Symptoms of hydrocephalus in young children in children Because the fontanel (Fontanelle) that connects the bones of the skull is
When opened, the most obvious sign of hydrocephalus is excessive head enlargement.
The fontanel may be taut and prominent, the scalp may be thin and shiny, the veins in the scalp may be prominent, and the affected child has a tendency to direct the eyes downward. Other symptoms such as:
vomiting.
drowsiness.
uncomfortable.
convulsions
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Neurology
Neurological diseases
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus
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What is hydrocephalus
symptoms
Causes and risk factors
Multiples
Diagnosis
treatment
protection
Hydrocephalus or hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebral fluid builds up in cavities called the brain ventricles.
Hydrocephalus symptoms
Purposes vary with age.
1. Symptoms of hydrocephalus in young children
In children, since the fontanel (Fontanelle) that connects the bones of the skull is open, the most obvious sign of hydrocephalus is excessive head enlargement.
The fontanel may be taut and prominent, the scalp may be thin and shiny, the veins in the scalp may be prominent, and the affected child has a tendency to direct the eyes downward. Other symptoms such as:
vomiting.
drowsiness.
uncomfortable.
convulsions
Fontanelles in children
2. Symptoms of hydrocephalus for older children
One common sign in older children is raised intracranial pressure, which is characterized by symptoms such as:
Nausea.
Headache.
vomiting.
Blurred vision or double vision.
Balance problems.
Coordination
Extreme discomfort or tiredness.
Changes in personality.
Inability to focus and learn.
Causes and risk factors for hydrocephalus
There are many causes and factors that lead to hydrocephalus
1. The causes of the phenomenon of hydrocephalus
Among the most prominent causes of hydrocephalus are
congenital reason
It results from a combination of several genetic and environmental causes. One common cause is blockage of the cerebral pathway between the third and fourth ventricles.
This blockage is caused by a stricture, inflammation, bleeding, or tumor. CSF builds up before the blockage occurs and causes hydrocephalus.
Another genetic cause of hydrocephalus is spina bifida, a defect that affects the healing process of the back of the spine associated with Arnold chiari syndrome. The cerebellum towards the spinal canal. Dandy Walker syndrome is also accompanied by hydrocephalus.
Earned cause
Acquired hydrocephalus appears after birth, and it can occur as a result of a head injury, meningitis, or a brain tumor.
2. Risk factors
Among the most important factors that lead to hydrocephalus
Bleeding within the ventricles.
Infection in the uterus during pregnancy, such as rubella and syphilis.
Central nervous system infections, such as bacterial meningitis and mumps.
Head or brain injury.
Complications of hydrocephalus
There are many complications of hydrocephalus, including
Mental and physical disabilities.
Significant memory loss.
Low thinking skills.
Diagnosis of hydrocephalus
Diagnosis is made by the following
1. Physical examination
The doctor examines the patient and finds out the symptoms he is complaining about.
2. Headshot
The head is photographed using several techniques, including
Ultrasound imaging
It is the simplest and cheapest way to assess the position of infants, and the fetus can be photographed in this way while it is still in the womb.
MRI
Through magnetic resonance imaging, we can see the brain in a three-dimensional way, which explains the cause of the disease.
Computed tomography
The brain is imaged in this method using X-rays.
Hydrocephalus treatment
The treatment is as follows
1. Drainage of fluid from the head into the abdominal cavity
The most widely used treatment is the ion of a flexible tube called a shunt, by which fluid is drained from the head into the abdominal cavity.
The shunt tube does not interfere with the child''s usual activities, and it is not usually damaged if the child falls or is injured.
2. Endoscopic neostomy of the base of the third ventricle (ETV)
Another treatment for certain types of hydrocephalus caused by obstruction of the passageway between the ventricles is to puncture the base of the third ventricle to drain the fluid through an endoscope.
3. Monitoring the child''s health condition
Relatives should be informed of the child''s illness so that they can take care of him as well in the absence of the parents. The child may need to be monitored and followed up by specialists and consultants, but this matter is related to his health condition.
These specialists include: an ophthalmologist or a physiotherapist.
When any clinical changes occur, seek medical help immediately.
Prevention of hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus can be prevented by
Intensive doctor''s review during pregnancy.
Receive the necessary vaccinations on time.
Avoid exposure to head injuries.
