Summary about Disease
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles (cavities) of the brain. This excess fluid increases pressure on the brain, which can lead to brain damage and a range of neurological impairments.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on age, severity, and underlying cause.
Infants: Enlarged head, rapid increase in head circumference, bulging or tense fontanel (soft spot), prominent scalp veins, vomiting, sleepiness or lethargy, irritability, poor feeding, seizures, eyes that appear to gaze downward (sunsetting eyes).
Children and Adults: Headache, blurred or double vision, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, problems with balance, poor coordination, urinary incontinence, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, personality changes.
Causes
Hydrocephalus results from an imbalance between the production and absorption of CSF. This imbalance can occur due to:
Obstruction: Blockage in the ventricles or between ventricles and the subarachnoid space, preventing CSF flow.
Poor Absorption: Impaired ability of the blood vessels to absorb CSF.
Overproduction: Rarely, the choroid plexus produces too much CSF.
Congenital: Present at birth due to genetic factors or events during fetal development.
Acquired: Develops after birth due to injury, stroke, infection, tumor, or other conditions.
Medicine Used
Medications can sometimes help manage symptoms but are generally not a primary treatment for hydrocephalus.
Acetazolamide and Furosemide: May be used to reduce CSF production in some cases, particularly in infants with mild hydrocephalus. Their effectiveness is limited. Note: The primary treatment for hydrocephalus is usually surgical.
Is Communicable
Hydrocephalus is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions are not applicable in the sense of preventing transmission since hydrocephalus isn't contagious. However, for individuals with hydrocephalus, these points are important:
Regular Medical Follow-up: Essential to monitor the condition and shunt function (if a shunt is in place).
Shunt Protection: If a shunt is present, protect the area around the shunt from trauma.
Infection Prevention: Promptly address any signs of infection, as infections can affect shunt function or worsen hydrocephalus.
Early Intervention: Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experience any symptoms of shunt malfunction (if a shunt is present) or worsening hydrocephalus.
How long does an outbreak last?
Hydrocephalus is not an infectious disease, therefore, it is not considered to have an "outbreak" or a specific duration like an infectious illness. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Examination: Neurological assessment to check reflexes, muscle tone, vision, and coordination.
Imaging Studies:
Cranial Ultrasound (Infants): Can visualize the ventricles through the fontanel.
CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the brain.
MRI Scan: Provides more detailed images than CT scans, especially for assessing brain tissue.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Can be used in certain situations to measure CSF pressure and analyze CSF composition.
Fundoscopic Exam: Examination of the back of the eye to look for papilledema (swelling of the optic disc), which can indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause, age of onset, and severity of hydrocephalus.
Congenital Hydrocephalus: Symptoms may be evident at birth or develop soon after.
Acquired Hydrocephalus: Symptoms can develop rapidly (acute) after a head injury or infection or develop gradually (chronic) over weeks, months, or even years.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): Typically presents gradually with gait disturbances, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment, usually in older adults. There is no single typical timeline, as the progression is highly individualized.
Important Considerations
Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Crucial to minimize brain damage and improve long-term outcomes.
Shunt Malfunction: Shunts are mechanical devices and can malfunction, requiring revision surgery. Recognize the signs of shunt malfunction (headache, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, seizures, etc.) and seek immediate medical attention.
Lifelong Management: Hydrocephalus is often a chronic condition requiring ongoing monitoring and management, even after surgical intervention.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Hydrocephalus can affect cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development. Early intervention services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) are often necessary to optimize outcomes.
Support: Connecting with support groups and organizations for families affected by hydrocephalus can provide valuable resources and emotional support.