Hydrocephalus does not have a definitive cure but it can be controlled and treated with different types of surgery, which must be guided by the neurologist and must be done as soon as possible, to avoid sequelae, such as delayed physical and mental development, for example.
Although childhood hydrocephalus is more common, it can also occur in adults or the elderly, which is called normal pressure hydrocephalus.
How to treat hydrocephalus
Treatment for infantile hydrocephalus and normal pressure hydrocephalus can be done with two types of surgery:
- Insertion of a shunt, which consists of placing a small tube in the brain with a valve that drains the accumulated liquid to another area of the body, such as the abdomen or chest, preventing its reflux and facilitating its absorption into the bloodstream; Ventriculostomy, which consists of the introduction of a thin device, through a hole in the skull, to relieve pressure in the brain and circulate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The insertion of the shunt can be done in the case of fetal or congenital hydrocephalus, which occurs in the fetus, after 24 weeks, by shifting the CSF to the amniotic fluid. After birth, the baby must undergo further surgery to divert the fluid to another area of the body.
Although it is not yet possible to prevent hydrocephalus, mothers can avoid it by taking folic acid before and during pregnancy.
Treatment complications
After bypass surgery for hydrocephalus, complications may arise such as valve malfunction or obstruction of the tube to drain the fluid, in most cases, other surgeries are needed to change the system, adjust the valve pressure or correct the obstruction, for example.
On the other hand, ventriculostomy is also not a definitive treatment, as CSF may accumulate again in the brain, requiring further procedures.
Thus, it is important for the child, adult or elderly person with hydrocephalus to have regular consultations with the neurologist to prevent these complications and treat them as soon as possible, in order to avoid brain damage.
Consequences of hydrocephalus
The sequelae of hydrocephalus arise when brain tissue is affected and the later the treatment is done. Thus, the child may have problems in his mental or motor development, such as difficulties in learning, reasoning, speech, memory, walking or controlling the urge to urinate or defecate, for example. In extreme cases, hydrocephalus can cause irreparable brain damage such as mental retardation or paralysis, and even death.
In cases where the child has changes in his development, physical therapy is essential in the treatment, to help the child to become as independent as possible. Learn more about hydrocephalus.
