WHAT ARE 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.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Infants and Children
- Abnormal head enlargement
- Tense, bulging fontanel
- Prominent scalp veins
- Skull bones may feel separated
- Vomiting, sleepiness, irritability
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, vision
- Downward deviation of eyes
Young and Middle Aged Adults
- Chronic headaches
- Difficulty walking/gait disturbances
- Cognitive challenges or complaints
- Urinary urgency or incontinence
Older Adults
- Difficulty walking/gait disturbances
- Cognitive challenges/mild dementia
- Urinary urgency or incontinence
DIAGNOSIS
The Neurosurgeon will perform a full neurological evaluation.
The following tests could be prescribed:
- CT – Scan (Computed Tomography)
- MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- CSF tests to predict shunt responsiveness and/or determine shunt pressure include;
- lumbar puncture
- external lumbar drainage
- measurement of CSF outflow resistance
- intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring
- isotopic cisternography
TREATMENT OPTIONS
In indicated patients surgery using programmable shuts is offered for Communicating Hydrocephalus as well as for patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus