Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid incavity brain, thereby increasing the pressure on the brain. In infants and children, hydrocephalus makes the head size bigger. While in adults, this condition can cause severe headaches.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by the brain continuously, and is absorbed by the blood vessels. Its functions are very important, including protecting the brain from injury, maintaining pressure on the brain, and removing metabolic waste from the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs when the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid is not balanced.
Hydrocephalus can be experienced by anyone, but is more common in infants and people aged 60 years and over.
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus in infants is characterized by rapidly increasing head circumference. In addition, a lump that feels soft will appear on the crown of the head. In addition to changes in head size, hydrocephalus symptoms that can be experienced by babies with hydrocephalus are:
- Fussy
- Easily sleepy
- Don't want to breastfeed
- Throw up
- stunted growth
- Seizures
In children, adults, and the elderly, the symptoms of hydrocephalus that appear depend on the age of the patient. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Decreased memory and concentration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbance
- Impaired body coordination
- Balance disorders
- Difficulty holding urine
- Head enlargement
Hydrocephalus that is not treated immediately can cause disturbances in the physical and intellectual development of children. In adults, untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent symptoms.
When to go to the doctor
Medical examination should be carried out immediately on children and adults who experience some of the above symptoms.
Seek immediate medical attention if your baby shows any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty feeding or eating
- Frequent vomiting for no known reason
- Crying in a shrill voice
- Lie down and don't move your head
- Hard to breathe
- Seizures
Causes of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between the production and absorption of fluid in the brain. As a result, there is too much fluid in the brain and the pressure in the head increases. This condition can be caused by several factors, which include:
- Blocked cerebrospinal fluid flow.
- The production of cerebrospinal fluid is faster than its absorption.
- Disease or injury to the brain, which affects the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.
Hydrocephalus can occur in babies during labor, or some time after birth. There are several factors that can affect this condition, including:
- Bleeding in the brain due to premature birth.
- Abnormal development of the brain and spine, thereby blocking the flow of brain fluids.
- Infections during pregnancy that can trigger inflammation of the fetal brain, for example rubella or syphilis.
In addition, there are several factors that can increase the risk of hydrocephalus at all ages, namely:
- Tumors in the brain and spinal cord.
- Bleeding in the brain from a head injury or stroke.
- Infections of the brain and spinal cord, eg meningitis.
- Injury or impact on the head that affects the brain.
Diagnosissis hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus in infants can be seen from the shape of the enlarged head. Meanwhile, in adult patients, hydrocephalus can be detected by doctors by asking about the symptoms experienced and doing a physical examination.
Then, the doctor will confirm it by doing imaging via ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. The imaging is also used to determine the cause of hydrocephalus and the presence of other conditions associated with the patient's symptoms. Hydrocephalus is treated surgically. The goal is to restore and maintain fluid levels in the brain. The surgical methods that are usually applied to hydrocephalus patients are: Shunt is a special tube that is placed inside the head to drain brain fluid to other parts of the body, so that it is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. The part of the body that is chosen to drain cerebrospinal fluid is the abdominal cavity. This operation is also known as VP shunt. Some people with hydrocephalus may need shunt for the rest of his life. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out regular checks to ensure that shunt still working fine. ETV is done by making a new hole in the cavity of the brain, so that the fluid in the brain can flow out. This procedure is often applied to hydrocephalus caused by a blockage in the cavity of the brain. Hydrocephalus is a condition that is difficult to prevent. However, the risk of hydrocephalus can be avoided with the following steps:Treatment Hhydrocephalus
Oinstall shunt
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
Hydrocephalus Prevention