Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is an increased amount of buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside of the brain. This causes the brain to feel increased pressure resulting in symptoms for the patient. These symptoms are treatable after receiving your diagnosis from a neurosurgeon in Smithtown NY. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Balance issues
- Sleepiness
- Fixed downward gaze
- Nausea
- Blurred or double vision
HydrocephalusTreatment
Hydrocephalus can appear in different ways depending on where in the brain the blockage occurs. The three different types are decided based on whether they cause increased pressure on the skull and the location of the blockage identified.
- Communicating Hydrocephalus: The blockage is outside the brain’s ventricles or due to reduced reabsorption of the fluid that causes increased pressure inside the ventricles.
- Noncommunicating Hydrocephalus: A passage between the ventricles is blocked resulting in increased pressure
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: The increase in fluid is slow, causing the tissues around the ventricles to expand and take in more fluid. This type of hydrocephalus does not cause increased pressure on the brain.
There are many different treatment options for relieving the symptoms of hydrocephalus. Most of the treatments include surgery and you should talk to a neurosurgeon in Smithtown NY to explore the different options. The two treatment options are:
- Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Surgeons place a tube inside the head connecting the brain to the abdomen. The tube diverts the path of the fluid from the brain into the abdomen where the skin absorbs it.
- Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Neurosurgeon in Smithtown NY create a small hole at the bottom of one of the ventricles where the pressure is found. This opening allows the extra fluid to drain from the brain and in turn, relieve pressure that the brain may be put under.
Dr. Symeon Missios | Neurosurgeon in Smithtown NY
Hydrocephalus is a very treatable condition after receiving your initial diagnosis from a neurosurgeon in Smithtown NY. While surgery is the course of treatment for the condition it can be done endoscopically for some patients. To begin your treatment and start the process of feeling better make an appointment with Dr. Missios today.