HYDROCEPHALUS- Treatment and cause 🧠 [Video]

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles, leading to increased pressure on the brain. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and support.

There are several types of hydrocephalus:

Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth, often due to abnormalities in the development of the brain or spinal cord.
Acquired Hydrocephalus: Develops after birth due to injury, infection, tumor, or bleeding within the brain.
The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on the age of onset and the rate of progression. In infants, symptoms may include an abnormally large head, bulging fontanelles (soft spots on the baby’s head), vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding, and seizures. In older children and adults, symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and cognitive problems.

The diagnosis of hydrocephalus usually involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the brain and assess the extent of fluid accumulation. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to divert the excess CSF away from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed, often through the insertion of a shunt system. In some cases, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) may be performed to create an opening in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to flow out of the brain more freely.