Hydrocephalus

 

It is known as "the accumulation of water in the brain" among the people. Hydrocephalus ; It is caused by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain ventricles and enlargement of the ventricles. Symptoms begin to emerge with the increase in intracranial pressure.

 

Hydrocephalus Symptoms

 

In infants: increase in head diameter compared to normal. Vomiting, epileptic seizures. Eyes looking down.

In children: Headache, especially in the mornings. Nausea, vomiting. Sleeping state. Difficulty concentrating. Failure at school. Symptoms such as epileptic seizures.

In adults: Frequent headache. Drowsiness, instability. Vision loss. There may be symptoms such as epileptic seizures.

Elderly: Forgetfulness, urinary incontinence, walking difficulties, headache may occur.

 

Hydrocephalus Diagnosis

 

Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) are helpful in diagnosis.

 

Hydrocephalus Treatment

 

Treatment is surgery. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery is performed. The device we call shunt; silicone is an elastic drain. In a simple way; one end is placed in the brain ventricle and the other in the abdomen. Thus, a part of the cerebrospinal fluid is discharged into the abdomen and the brain is relieved. In addition, surgical treatment can be performed endoscopically by fenestration in some centers.

Dr. Tamer Tekin