Procedures
Surgery is the only treatment option for hydrocephalus. Surgery outcomes have significantly improved combined with early intervention and advanced diagnostic protocols. Hydrocephalus is most commonly treated with a brain shunt. In some situations, a non-shunt treatment – an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) – may be sufficient.
Self-care
Hydrocephalus is treated with one of two surgical options: A shunt (tube) is surgically inserted into the brain and connected to a flexible tube placed under the skin to drain the excess fluid into either the chest cavity or the abdomen so it can be absorbed by the body.
Nutrition
The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is a medical device called a shunt, a flexible tube, which is placed in the ventricular system of the brain that diverts the flow of CSF to another region of the body, most often the abdominal cavity, or heart, where it can be absorbed. Learn More > Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
Which medications are used in the treatment of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain) is treated with surgery. Babies who are born with hydrocephalus (congenital) and children or adults who develop it (acquired hydrocephalus) usually need prompt treatment to reduce the pressure on their brain. If hydrocephalus is not treated, the increase in pressure will cause brain damage.
What causes death in untreated hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus can be treated in a variety of ways. Based on the underlying etiology, the condition may be treated directly by removing the cause of CSF obstruction or indirectly by diverting the excess fluid. Hydrocephalus is most commonly treated indirectly by implanting a device known as a “shunt” to divert the excess CSF away from the brain.
What are the possible prevention of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus can be treated in a variety of ways. The problem area may be treated directly (by removing the cause of CSF obstruction) or indirectly (by diverting the fluid to somewhere else, typically to another body cavity). Indirect treatment is performed by implanting a device known as a shunt to divert
Is there a cure for acquired hydrocephalus?
Treatment of hydrocephalus While often hydrocephalus can’t be cured, it can be controlled. Treatment aims to reduce pressure on the brain. The usual approach is surgery to place a fine tube called a shunt that helps drain the fluid. Source s:
What is the most common treatment for hydrocephalus?
This surgical treatment is the most common and successful treatment option for those with hydrocephalus. Shunting, which began in the 1950’s, entails the placement of a tube (shunt) in one of the brain’s ventricles or into the space of fluid in the spine.
What is a shunt in hydrocephalus?
The choice of shunt depends on the type and blockage location that results in the hydrocephalus. Most patients undergo shunt placements, including the following types: 1 Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt#N#This is the most common treatment, which shifts fluid from the brain into the peritoneal cavity (a fluid-filled gap between the walls of the abdomen and the organs in the abdomen). 2 Ventriculo-pleural (VPL) shunt#N#Shifts fluid from the brain into the pleural cavity (space between the two pleura of the lungs) 3 Ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt or “vascular shunt”#N#Shifts fluid from the brain to the right atrium of the heart
Where does fluid go in the brain?
This is the most common treatment, which shifts fluid from the brain into the peritoneal cavity (a fluid-filled gap between the walls of the abdomen and the organs in the abdomen).
What are the two types of hydrocephalus?
The two major types of hydrocephalus are called communicating hydrocephalus and non-communicating hydrocephalus. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This form is called communicating because the CSF can still flow between the ventricles, the passages between which remain open.
Why do babies get hydrocephalus?
In these cases, hydrocephalus may be caused by: inherited genetic abnormalities that block the flow of CSF. developmental disorders such as those associated with birth defects in the brain, spine, or spinal cord.
What is the difference between CSF and hydrocephalus?
What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting pressure on the brain’s tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine.
How often do shunts malfunction?
The rate of malfunction of shunts in children is estimated to be 40 percent in the first year after placement, and 10 percent per year after that.
What is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine. Normally, cerebrospinal fluid flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal cord before being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
Is hydrocephalus a cellular disorder?
Cellular mechanisms. Hydrocephalus is a relatively common developmental abnormality, but its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. NINDS supports a wide range of studies that explore the complex mechanisms of normal and abnormal brain development.
Is hydrocephalus a congenital condition?
Hydrocephalus may be present at birth (congenital) or may develop over time as a result of injury or disease (acquired). Except for hydrocephalus secondary to physical obstruction of CSF passages within the brain or skull by blood or tumor, the exact causes of hydrocephalus are still not well understood.
Shunt Systems
The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is a medical device called a shunt, a flexible tube, which is placed in the ventricular system of the brain that diverts the flow of CSF to another region of the body, most often the abdominal cavity, or heart, where it can be absorbed.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
A second surgical treatment option is called an ETV. With this procedure, an endoscope is used to puncture a membrane on the floor of the third ventricle. This creates a pathway for CSF to exit the ventricular system and a shunt may not be needed. This procedure is typically performed in children over the age of 2.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) with Choroid Plexus Cauterization (CPC)
The third treatment option involves the addition of choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) with ETV as a treatment primarily in children under 2.
What happens if you don't treat hydrocephalus?
If hydrocephalus is not treated, the increase in pressure will cause brain damage.
What is the procedure called when you have a shunt?
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) An alternative procedure to shunt surgery is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Instead of inserting a shunt, the surgeon makes a hole in the floor of your brain to allow the trapped cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to escape to the brain's surface, where it can be absorbed.
How long does it take for a shunt to be removed?
Some surgeons use skin staples to close the wound, which will need to be removed after a few days. After the shunt has been installed, further treatment for hydrocephalus may be needed if the shunt becomes blocked or infected. Shunt repair surgery will then be necessary.
What is the tube called that is implanted in the brain?
During shunt surgery, a thin tube called a shunt is implanted in your brain. The excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain flows through the shunt to another part of your body, usually your tummy. From here, it's absorbed into your blood.
Can you get a shunt for NPH?
However, not everyone with NPH will benefit from shunt surgery. As there's a risk of complications with shunt surgery, you'll need tests to assess whether the potential benefits of surgery outweigh the risks.
What is the type of hydrocephalus that develops at birth or in adulthood?
Based on onset, presence of structural defects or high vs. normal CSF pressures, hydrocephalus can be divided into categories. Acquired Hydrocephalus: This is the type of hydrocephalus that develops at birth or in adulthood and is typically caused by injury or disease.
How do you know if you have hydrocephalus?
The symptoms of hydrocephalus tend to vary greatly from person to person and across different age groups. Infants and young children are more susceptible to symptoms from increased intracranial pressure like vomiting and adults can experience loss of function like walking or thinking.
What is the term for the excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
Definition. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the fluid-containing cavities or ventricles of the brain. The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning the head. Although it translates as "water on the brain," the word actually refers to ...
What is the name of the condition that occurs when there is no obstruction to the flow of CSF within the ventricular
Congenital Hydrocephalus: It is present at birth and may be caused by events that occur during fetal development or as a result of genetic abnormalities. Communicating Hydrocephalus : This type of hydrocephalus occurs when there is no obstruction to the flow of CSF within the ventricular system.
How common is hydrocephalus in children?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), hydrocephalus is believed to affect approximately one to two in every 1,000 children born in the U.S.
What is non communication hydrocephalus?
Non-communication (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: It occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked along one of more of the passages connecting the ventricles, causing enlargement of the pathways upstream of the block and leading to an increase in pressure within the skull.
What is the name of the disease that causes the brain to shrink?
Hydrocephalus Ex-vacuo: It primarily affects adults and occurs when a degenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s disease , stroke or trauma, causes damage to the brain that may cause the brain tissue to shrink.
What is the meaning of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the ventricles (fluid-containing cavities) of the brain and may increase pressure within the head.
What is the success rate of hydrocephalus?
The success rate varies from 25 to 74 percent for NPH cases in which its cause is unknown. In general, the earlier hydrocephalus is diagnosed, the better the chance for successful treatment. The longer the symptoms have been present, the less likely it is that treatment will be successful.
What is the cause of hydrocephalus ex-vacuo?
Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when a stroke or injury damages the brain and brain matter actually shrinks. The brain may shrink in older patients or those with Alzheimer's disease, and CSF volume increases to fill the extra space. In these instances, the ventricles are enlarged, but the pressure usually is normal.
What is the water on the brain called?
Although hydrocephalus often is described as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually CSF — a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. CSF has three crucial functions: It acts as a "shock absorber" for the brain and spinal cord; It acts as a vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste; and.
What causes pressure hydrocephalus?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus results from the gradual blockage of the CSF-draining pathways in the brain. The ventricles enlarge to handle the increased volume of CSF, thus compressing the brain from within and eventually damaging or destroying the brain tissue.
How old do you have to be to get hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults age 60 and older. It affects adult males and females, as well as people of different races, about equally.
Can hydrocephalus be rehabilitated?
If any neurological problems persist, rehabilitation may be required to further your improvement. However, recovery may be limited by the extent of the damage already caused by the hydrocephalus and your brain's ability to heal. Because hydrocephalus is an ongoing condition, long-term follow-up by a doctor is required.
What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?
The most common symptoms of hydrocephalus are headache, nausea, vomiting and fits. For babies, hydrocephalus can also cause: For older children or adults, hydrocephalus can also cause: Sometimes hydrocephalus can put pressure on the optic nerve in the eye.
What is the term for the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
Hydrocephalus is when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain. Normally, CSF is made in the brain to cushion the brain, provide nutrients and remove toxins. It is removed from around the brain in a cycle. But CSF can build up if:
Can hydrocephalus cause strabismus?
For older children or adults, hydrocephalus can also cause: Sometimes hydrocephalus can put pressure on the optic nerve in the eye. This can cause strabismus (where the eyes aren’t straight), gaze palsies (the person can’t move their eyes together upwards) or nystagmus (a rapid abnormal movement in the eyes).
Can you get hydrocephalus as a child?
People can also get hydrocephalus as a child or as an adult after a head injury, after bleeding in the brain, after a brain tumour or after meningitis, which is an infection around the brain. Another cause of hydrocephalus is spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine.
What does it mean when a person has hydrocephalus?
Some experts refer to hydrocephalus as either “communicating” -- meaning the cerebrospinal fluid is flowing freely -- or “non-communicating ,” which is when there’s a blockage. Hydrocephalus Diagnosis.
What happens if hydrocephalus is blocked?
It’s important to get medical help right away if anything goes wrong after treatment for hydrocephalus. Complications of shunt systems can happen when the shunt is blocked and stops working or when an infection occurs. This can cause cerebral spinal fluid to build up again. Signs and symptoms may include: Headache.
Why does my brain swell?
This is caused by a tumor, cyst, head injury, or a brain infection. Normal pressure hydrocephalus . This usually shows up in older adults and leads to a swelling in the small, open areas of the brain but without any change in pressure. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this type.
Why does my brain keep taking in cerebrospinal fluid?
Inflammation, injuries, or infections like bacterial meningitis can keep your brain tissues from taking in cerebrospinal fluid. Too much fluid . In rare cases, your body makes more cerebrospinal fluid than your brain can handle. Types of Hydrocephalus.
What is the term for the buildup of fluid in the brain?
What Is Hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus -- which roughly means “water on the brain” -- is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. This fluid doesn’t flow or get absorbed the way it should.
What is the function of cerebrospinal fluid?
It’s called cerebrospinal fluid, and it cushions your brain from injuries and has nutrients and proteins that help keep it healthy and working. Cerebrospinal fluid also: Allows the relatively heavy brain to float within the skull. Removes waste products of the brain’s metabolism.
How do you know if you have hydrocephalus?
In babies, they include: An unusually large head that gets bigger quickly. The soft spot on top of a baby’s head is firm or bulging. Eyes that are focused downward (sometimes called “sunsetting of the eyes”) Crankiness or irritability.