Hydrocephalus- Types and Symptoms

CHANDIGARH

The buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the skull can produce pressure inside the skull, causing harm to the surrounding brain tissue. Convulsions, brain injury, and a progressive increase in head size are all possible outcomes. Hydrocephalus can be lethal if left untreated.

Different kinds of hydrocephalus include the following:

Hydrocephalus from birth

One kind of hydrocephalus is congenital hydrocephalus. When we look at the numbers, we can see that about one in every 500 newborns is born with hydrocephalus. These problems can develop as a result of infections like rubella or mumps, or congenital disorders like spina bifida.

Hydrocephalus acquired
Acquired hydrocephalus is a kind of hydrocephalus that can occur after birth. A stroke, brain tumor, meningitis, or a serious head injury are the most common causes.

This kind of hydrocephalus arises when the flow of CSF inside the ventricular system is unimpeded. The disease is caused by either insufficient absorption or an excessive increase in CSF production.

Hydrocephalus without communication

Obstructive hydrocephalus, also known as non-communicating hydrocephalus, is caused by a blockage of the thin connections between the ventricles

Normal-pressure Hydrocephalus

This kind of hydrocephalus affects persons over the age of 50. The spinal column is characterized by dilated ventricles and normal pressure during this situation.

There are several causes for hydrocephalus, however the following are the most common:

CSF production is abnormally high.

CSF flow is prevented or restricted by an expansion or blockage of one of the brain’s ventricles.

CSF is incapable of entering the circulation.

Congenital Hydrocephalus Causes

The cerebral aqueduct, a lengthy midbrain channel linking two major ventricles, gets blocked when the infant is born. This is the most typical reason.

The choroid plexus produces an excessive amount of CSF.

The way a child’s brain grows is influenced by his or her health. When a kid has severe spina bifida, for example, hydrocephalus is prevalent (a spinal cord birth defect).

Pregnancy-related infections: 

The ventricles get obstructed after birth as a result of an accident or sickness that happens after birth. Possible causes include:

Bleeding in the brain is known as a brain hemorrhage.

The term “brain lesions” refers to regions of injury or illness in the brain. Injury, infections, chemical pollution exposure, and immune system malfunction are all possibilities.

Brain tumors are growths in the brain that are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord membranes.

A blood clot or a burst artery or blood vessel blocks blood flow to a specific area of the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Causes
It usually affects adults over the age of 50, and physicians aren’t sure what causes it in most cases. The disease can be caused by brain traumas, infections, or strokes.

Hydrocephalus Symptoms

The symptoms of hydrocephalus range greatly depending on the age group and person. Infants and young children may have more severe symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure, such as vomiting, whereas adults may experience loss of function.