The brain is perhaps the most complicated and crucial organ of the body, yet one of the most delicate and vulnerable. Any disorder that impacts your brain can contribute to major repercussions, which is true of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus causes stress on your brain because of the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. In fact, this condition borrows its name from the Greek words for water (hydro) and head (cephalus). At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, the expert staff of neurological specialists assists patients in combating various critical brain and spine conditions. While these professionals affirm the importance of professional care, they also recognize the value of raising public consciousness. In light of this, Flowood Hydrocephalus specialist Dr. Lewis has listed some things you should know about hydrocephalus. Check out this post to learn more.
What Are The Common Reasons And Symptoms Of Hydrocephalus?
Numerous causes might result in an overabundance of CSF inside the brain. In some cases, it could be purely genetic or connected with developmental diseases such as encephalocele or spina bifida. Additional reasons include a brain tumor impairs usual CSF flow, intracranial bleeding, infections, head trauma, and preterm birth difficulties (such as a hemorrhage).
Any disorder that interrupts the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain may trigger symptoms. Symptoms differ depending on the age of the affected individual, but the most prevalent symptoms by age are as follows:
v Infant Symptoms: Unusual head expansion, convulsions, an impression of a thin scalp, poor appetite, bone displacement on the child’s head, visible scalp veins, lethargy, vomiting, or an eye deviation to the downward side.
v Symptoms in Kids or Toddlers: unusual head dilatation, irritability, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, headaches, fatigue, poor coordination, hazy vision, deferred walking, poor appetite, changes in personality, trouble concentrating, difficulty falling and staying asleep, and seizures.
v Symptoms in Adults: issues with coordination and balance, nausea, vomiting, memory problems, headache, urinary difficulties, alterations in gait, and disorientation. This disorientation is frequently misinterpreted as dementia or Alzheimer’s illness in persons above 60 years.
How To Identify And Treat Hydrocephalus?
At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, Dr. Lewis will search for the above-mentioned physical signs, evaluate your health records, and, if appropriate, inquire about the patient’s complaints to help diagnose hydrocephalus. Your physician could subsequently order an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to determine the extent of the strain and establish a care plan.
If tension is detected and it is doubtful that CSF would drain without treatment, your surgeon will discuss surgical alternatives with you. Hydrocephalus could be directly or indirectly addressed.
Direct therapy eliminates the CSF blockage, be it a tumor, cyst, or any obstruction that could be securely eliminated. With indirect therapy, your neurosurgeon will assist in correcting the issue, but the underlying reason for the obstruction might not be resolved. This procedure involves the placement of a shunt, which is a gadget that deflects excessive CSF from the brain. If your doctor cannot clear the obstruction, a shunt may prevent CSF from accumulating in the brain to ease symptoms. Nonetheless, Dr. Lewis may occasionally employ both indirect and direct therapy.
The onset of hydrocephalus could be sudden or gradual, but in any instance, the illness does not resolve by itself. If you feel that you or a beloved may be experiencing symptoms of hydrocephalus, you must contact Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic. Neurosurgeon Dr. Adam Lewis will explore your unique circumstances and concerns to develop a care plan that delivers optimal outcomes. Schedule a consultation today through mobile or request online to learn more.
