The unusual collection of fluid in the brain is known as the disease called Hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colourless fluid around your brain and spinal cord. Your brain gets its nutrients and removes waste from the brain’s ventricles through CSF. This fluid also shields and cushions the brain and spinal cord for protection.
A build-up of CSF may occur if the normal flow or absorption of CSF is obstructed. When the flow is unusual or absorption is obstructed, the brain’s ventricles grow due to the excess CSF causing pressure on the brain that inhibits normal functioning.
The signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus can fluctuate significantly from person to person and between age groups. The main symptoms of Hydrocephalus are:
While some types of Hydrocephalus appear at birth, others only manifest as children or adults. Head injuries, brain tumours, haemorrhages, and diseases like meningitis can all lead to Hydrocephalus. However, according to a recent study, meningitis is the most common cause of Hydrocephalus in children of South Africa. It can also be inherited, be linked to developmental problems like spina bifida or encephalocele, or result from any of the above. Hydrocephalus can develop for several different reasons, it may be congenital or acquired.
Congenital Hydrocephalus: It is a condition that is evident at birth and may result from foetal development-related events or genetic disorders.
Acquired Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus that occurs after birth or during maturity is known as acquired Hydrocephalus, and an illness or injury often brings it on.
Communicating Hydrocephalus: Communicating Hydrocephalus impedes the CSF flow inside the ventricular system. Insufficient absorption or an unusual spike in CSF generated leads to the disorder.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: It is a type of communicative Hydrocephalus that can develop at any age but most frequently affects the elderly. Dilated ventricles distinguish it within the spinal column that has normal pressure.
Non-communication (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: A blockage in the CSF flow along one or more of the ventricle-to-ventricle channels results in Hydrocephalus, which raises the pressure inside the skull by widening the pathways upstream of the block.
Hydrocephalus Ex-vacuo: When a degenerative illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease, a stroke, or trauma damages the brain, it can result in hydrocephalus ex-vacuo, mainly affecting adults and may cause the brain tissue to shrink.
A neurological examination is used to identify Hydrocephalus. Your healthcare provider examines your brain through CT (computer tomography), ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These tests could consist of the following:
Shunt users must undergo routine medical examinations because shunts may malfunction, break, or cause an infection. You should consult your doctor if signs of a shunt failure or an EVT closure appear.
Currently, brain surgery is the only option to treat Hydrocephalus. To treat Hydrocephalus, there are two different kinds of brain operations:
With treatment, surgery and monitoring, most people with hydrocephalus live normal happy lives.