Hydrocephalus can develop for a number of reasons. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired V体育官网入口.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors during fetal development causes congenital hydrocephalus. “Congenital” means present at birth. The most common causes of congenital hydrocephalus are: VSports在线直播.
Acquired hydrocephalus develops at any point after birth and can affect people of all ages. The most common causes of acquired hydrocephalus are:
In addition, hemorrhage or complications of surgery may cause normal pressure hydrocephalus. Many people develop NPH without an obvious cause.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary with age. It can also depend on how far along the disease is (disease progression). It also varies with how well a person tolerates the CSF buildup.
Symptoms in infants may include:
Symptoms in older children may include:
Symptoms in adults may include:
Symptoms in older adults may include:
Hydrocephalus is diagnosed through a neurological evaluation. Your healthcare provider may use brain imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Other tests are often performed in adults to diagnose the condition. These tests may include:
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No. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal. Early diagnosis and successful treatment improve the chance for a good recovery.
Yes. Hydrocephalus is treatable. While there currently isn’t a way to prevent or cure hydrocephalus, the condition can be treated with surgery.
Currently, the only way to treat hydrocephalus is with brain surgery. There are two types of brain surgeries used to treat hydrocephalus:
Many people go decades without complications, but things can change quickly. People with shunts must get regular medical checkups. Shunts can break, fail or become infected. If this happens, another brain surgery is required. An ETV can close at any time and put a person in danger.
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You should seek help from your healthcare provider if symptoms of a shunt failure or EVT closure develop. These symptoms may include those similar with hydrocephalus, such as:
Or new symptoms, such as:
With surgery and monitoring, many people with hydrocephalus go on to lead normal lives. However, the condition and complications from surgery can vary greatly from person to person. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to get the care you need.
Hydrocephalus poses a unique risk to both cognitive and physical development in children. Parents of children with hydrocephalus should talk to their healthcare providers to ensure a positive outcome.
Finding out someone you love has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus can be scary. But it’s important to remember you’re not alone. Your healthcare provider can give you the tools and resources you need to support your family. By staying well informed and planning appropriately, your loved one can realize their dreams of living a normal, happy life.
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Hydrocephalus in children can be serious. And you want your child to have the best care. Cleveland Clinic Children’s is here for them — and you.
Last reviewed on 04/26/2022.
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