Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a large spectrum of impairments in brain function.
Although hydrocephalus can occur at any age, it's more common among infants and older adults.
Surgical treatment for hydrocephalus can restore and maintain normal cerebrospinal fluid levels in the brain. A variety of interventions are often required to manage symptoms or functional impairments resulting from hydrocephalus.
SYMPTOMS-
The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary generally by age of onset.
Infants
Common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:
Changes in the headAn unusually large headA rapid increase in the size of the headA bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head
Physical symptoms
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Irritability
Poor feeding
Seizures
Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
Deficits in muscle tone and strength, responsiveness to touch, and expected growth
Toddlers and older children
Among toddlers and older children, signs and symptoms may include:
Physical symptoms
HeadacheBlurred or double vision
Physical signs
Abnormal enlargement of a toddler's head
SleepinessDifficulty remaining awake or waking up
Nausea or vomiting
Unstable balancePoor coordination
Poor appetiteSeizures
Behavioral and cognitive changes
Irritability
Change in personality
Problems with attention
Decline in school performance
Delays or problems with previously acquired skills, such as walking or talking
Young and middle-aged adults
Common signs and symptoms in this age group include:
Headach
eDifficulty in remaining awake or waking up
Loss of coordination or balance
Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate
Impaired visionDecline in memory, concentration and other thinking skills that may affect job performance
Older adults
Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are:
Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate
Memory lossProgressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills
Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck
Poor coordination or balanceSlower than normal movements in general
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical care for infants and toddlers experiencing these signs and symptoms:
A high-pitched cry
Problems with sucking or feedingUnexplained, recurrent vomiting
An unwillingness to bend or move the neck or head
Breathing difficulties
Seizures
Treatment
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the treatment of choice for a case of Hydrocephalus. in some cases Endodcopic ventriculostomy is done.