Hydrocephalus Diagnosis

     Hydrocephalus is commonly seen in infants, so the diagnosis can also be given before birth. In ultrasound tests, if the brain’s empty spaces are found to be more enlarged, they are detected and the diagnosis is made. Since hydrocephalus can also cause various diseases, after the diagnosis is made, applications such as Fetal MRI are also performed. The motor and physical development of the baby is followed after birth and regular imaging studies are continued.

What causes Hydrocephalus?

     Hydrocephalus can occur due to genetic transfers or complications during pregnancy. Some of the common causes include:

• It can develop as a result of complications during birth.
• It can develop as a result of cysts that block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
• It can develop as a result of problems in brain development. Premature birth can increase the risk of hydrocephalus.
• It can develop after brain hemorrhages, as the brain swells.
• Head injuries, such as head traumas, can cause hydrocephalus.
• Infections such as meningitis that affect the central nervous system and tumors in the central nervous system can cause hydrocephalus.
• In older adults, hydrocephalus can be caused by heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.

What are the symptoms of Hydrocephalus?

     Hydrocephalus is a disease that can be easily observed from the outside, so it can be easily noticed by others. In newborns; the head being larger than normal, the skull being thinner, restlessness, the baby having seizures, and physical and motor development not following a normal path are among the symptoms of hydrocephalus. In older children, the slowing down of motor development can be clearly noticed. Children are not equal to their peers in walking and speaking. They often have difficulty communicating. As in newborns, their head is abnormally large.

     In adults, the symptoms of hydrocephalus observed include headaches, sleep disorders, problems with the bladder and intestine, vision disturbances, and deficiencies in logical thinking processes. In the elderly, difficulty walking and difficulty maintaining balance are among the most common symptoms.

What methods are used in the treatment of Hydrocephalus?

     In the treatment of hydrocephalus, surgical methods are mostly used instead of medication or alternative methods. The diagnosis can be made during the prenatal period, however, treatment is usually done after birth. In cases where the diagnosis is made while the baby is still in the womb, the surgeons act quickly and therefore, the baby is usually born earlier. In this case, a tube is inserted to drain the excess fluid from the head to other parts of the body, reducing the pressure on the head. Another method is called ETV (endoscopic third ventriculostomy), where a tube with a camera is inserted into the brain and a small hole is made to remove the blockage and allow the cerebrospinal fluid to be absorbed into the bloodstream, thus treating hydrocephalus.

Recovery process after surgery

     After the surgery for hydrocephalus, there may be situations where the shunt in infants is too short and therefore does not drain enough fluid as they grow older. In addition, there are risks of infection and bleeding. The surgeon adjusts the length and function of the shunt according to the condition of the hydrocephalus. Antibiotic treatment is attempted to prevent infection risks after the surgery.