Having hydrocephalus can be difficult. It can create medical, financial, and social setbacks and can even take away your capability to live independently. Hydrocephalus can happen very early in life and can be detected through several examinations such as ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan. Addressing this condition as early as possible can harm many aspects of your life. If you are looking for tests and treatments for hydrocephalus treatment in St James, contact us today and schedule your appointment!
What Is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid (CSF) in the cavities deep within the brain. This excess fluid then puts pressure on the brain. This condition is dangerous; if left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal. There are three main types of hydrocephalus:
- congenital hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus that’s present at birth
- acquired hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus that develops after birth
- normal pressure hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus usually only develops in older people
Symptoms
Hydrocephalus can start at any age, even before birth. Symptoms can vary by age:
Infants:
- An unusually large head, a rapid increase in the size of the head, and a bulging or tense soft spot on the top of the head
- Nausea and vomiting, sleepiness or sluggishness, seizures, or sunsetting of the eyes
Toddlers and Older Children:
- Abnormal eye movements, increased head size, regular imbalance, decreased bladder control
- Irritability, change in personality, a decline in school performance
Young and Middle-Aged Adults:
- Headache, sluggishness, loss of coordination or balance, decreased bladder control, frequent urination, vision problems, decreased memory, concentration, and other thinking skills.
Older Adults
People over 60 can experience normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). It is still an uncommon and poorly understood condition. People with NPH have thinking and reasoning problems, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control.
Treatment: Hydrocephalus Treatment in St James
There are various methods to detect hydrocephalus. A CT scan and an MRI can effectively confirm a diagnosis of congenital and acquired hydrocephalus. At times, an ultrasound can detect hydrocephalus during the pregnancy. On the other hand, NPH can be harder to diagnose as symptoms can be similar to Alzheimer’s. Examinations assess how your mobility, gait, mental ability, bladder control, and appearance of your brain.
After going through thorough scanning, you will be presented with different treatment options.
Shunt surgery is when a thin tube called a shunt is implanted in your brain. The shunt then allows the excess fluid to flow through to another part of your body. After the surgery, further treatment is needed in case of an infection or the shunt is blocked.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the procedure where the surgeon creates a hole in the floor of your brain, allowing the trapped cerebrospinal fluid to escape to the brain’s surface, where it can be absorbed. This approach may not be for everyone; hence needs thorough consultation with your doctor. Patients will go under general anesthesia, and the surgery usually takes about 1 hour.
- Lumbar puncture is a short-term option for the treatment of hydrocephalus. This procedure reduces the amount of excess fluid before performing a long-term treatment. However, lumbar puncture is sufficient only for patients whose brain is still able to absorb some CSF.
Hydrocephalus is a complicated condition to diagnose and treat. Currently, available treatments are strictly surgical and will need to be monitored and followed up regularly. Addressing this condition as soon as possible is very important and can be life-changing. If you are experiencing symptoms of this condition and are looking for hydrocephalus treatment in St James, please contact us today and book your appointment!