Hydrocephalus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. Under normal circumstances, there really is cerebrospinal fluid that fills the chambers (ventricles) in the brain. However, in the condition of hydrocephalus, the amount of cerebrospinal fluid is excessive, causing suppression of brain cells and nerve disorders.
There are several types of hydrocephalus, namely:
• Congenital hydrocephalus
This type is a congenital disorder that occurs due to disturbances in the womb. This kind of thing can happen because of the disorders experienced by the mother during pregnancy. For example, the mother has a toxoplasma infection, lack of folic acid, or several other reasons.
• Acquired hydrocephalus (acquired hydrocephalus)
Occurs due to disorders in the brain, for example due to stroke, inflammation of the lining of the brain, or brain tumors. The disease causes blockage of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid so that hydrocephalus occurs.
Symptoms
Congenital hydrocephalus that occurs when a newborn usually shows symptoms in the form of:
• The baby looks sleepy all the time or is less responsive to the conditions around him.
• Feet and hands are constantly contracting so that they look stiff and difficult to move.
• Babies have developmental delays, for example, at 6 months old they cannot lie on their stomach, or at 9 months they cannot sit up.
• The baby’s head looks bigger, also getting bigger all the time compared to other children his age.
• Baby’s scalp is thin, and the blood vessels can be seen clearly.
• Irregular breathing.
• Having recurrent seizures.
Meanwhile, the symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus (acquired hydrocephalus) can include:
• The patient looks weak
• Complaints of severe headaches
• Spraying vomiting
• Looks drowsy, confused, or experiencing disorientation
• Recurrent seizures
• Experiencing visual disturbances, in the form of blurred vision or double vision
• Wetting the bed
Reason
Hydrocephalus that occurs in infants is generally due to infection during pregnancy. The infection is caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, mumps, syphilis, or toxoplasma.
Meanwhile, hydrocephalus that occurs after birth (acquired hydrocephalus) is generally caused by a disease in the brain that causes disturbances in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. For example due to bleeding stroke, brain tumor, inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the lining of the brain.
Diagnosis
Hydrocephalus that occurs due to infection in the mother’s pregnancy can actually be detected since the baby is still in the womb, namely by ultrasound examination. Meanwhile, when the baby is born, hydrocephalus can be suspected when the baby’s head circumference is measured.
Babies with hydrocephalus have a larger head circumference than other babies their age. To confirm the presence of hydrocephalus, a CT scan of the brain is usually required. In some cases, MRI is also needed to find out the cause of hydrocephalus.
Treatment
Hydrocephalus treatment aims to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. That way the cerebrospinal fluid no longer accumulates in the brain and does not cause pressure on brain tissue.
This is done through surgery, in the form of:
• Shunt
Shunt is the act of inserting a catheter (small tube) into the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid to other parts of the body, such as the stomach or the heart. Usually, this shunt will be installed for life, but as the child gets older, a larger and longer catheter tube will be replaced.
• Ventriculostomy
Ventriculostomy surgery is an action to make a hole between the rooms in the brain. The goal is that the cerebrospinal fluid can be spread evenly in all parts of the brain, not accumulating in one particular location.
Prevention
Hydrocephalus prevention begins in pregnancy. Pregnant women must carry out periodic controls so that if there is a viral infection, it can be identified and treated immediately. Ensure that pregnant women, infants and children receive complete immunizations according to the government’s schedule. Several causes of hydrocephalus such as rubella infection, inflammation of the lining of the brain, and inflammation of the brain can be prevented by immunization.