Hydrocephalus: Swelling of the Brain

Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid within the skull that can lead to brain swelling and the skull to become enlarged. This condition is often referred to as “water on the brain” and has been known to cause tissue damage to the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows through the brain carrying nutrients through the ventricles, takes away waste from the brain, then is reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This fluid also acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord. It is unknown how many full grown adults may be affected with Hydrocephalus but 1 out of 500 newborns can contract hydrocephalus making it more common than deafness and Down syndrome and a major developmental disability.

There are two types of hydrocephalus. The first, congenital hydrocephalus develops during birth and newborns usually suffer from symptoms such as; seizures, vomiting, sleepiness, and the head to appear larger in size. The second, acquired hydrocephalus can occur at any age and is caused by either disease or injury. Symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus include; vomiting, nausea, headaches, balance and bladder problems, blurry vision and memory loss. Strokes, tumors, infections, and bleeding of the brain have been found to also be primary causes of acquired hydrocephalus.

Leaving hydrocephalus untreated can lead to severe mental, physical, and intellectual brain damage. However, through X rays, MRI’s, brain scans, lumbar punctures, cranial ultrasounds and other neurological evaluations physicians can determine the best treatment and which procedures need to be taken. The most common method of treatment for hydrocephalus is placing a ‘shunt’ (small tube) in the brain to help assist with proper CSF flow. Antibiotics are also given to help reduce and prevent infection.

Hydrocephalus can be prevented by getting immediate treatment for conditions that can lead to the development of hydrocephalus as well as protecting the head from impacts and injury.

Sources:

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. “Hydrocephalus”

Medline Plus. “Hydrocephalus Also Called: Water on the Brain”


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