Hydrocephalus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Finding out that a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition is overwhelming and life-changing. All of a sudden, the only things that matter are finding out information about the illness, and what you can do to treat it — while keeping your loved one as comfortable as possible. It can feel even more disconcerting if the condition is not as well-known within the general population as others. Such is the case with hydrocephalus. What, exactly, does it mean? What causes it? What are the most common symptoms? And, what’s the best form of treatment?

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is the medical term used to refer to buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. This excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. As a result, brain tissue is damaged — which affects brain function. While the condition can occur at any age, most diagnoses are made in patients who are infants or more than 60 years of age. In fact, it is the most common reason for brain surgery in children. If the condition is present at birth, it may result in intellectual and/or physical disabilities.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

While a person may be born with hydrocephalus — or develop the condition from a traumatic head injury — it often is the result of underlying medical conditions. The most common ones include:

Spina bifida
Brain tumors
Meningitis
Infections of the spinal cord
Intraventricular hemorrhage
Aqueductal stenosis
Brain malformations

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

The symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary depending on the person’s age. The most common ones include:

In Babies

An unusually large head
A bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head
A rapid increase in the size of the head
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Poor growth
Poor feeding
Irritability
No muscle tone
Gaze fixed downwards
Seizures
Poor responsiveness to touch

In Older Children

Headaches
Poor coordination
Delayed motor skills
Blurred vision
Gaze fixed downwards
Poor appetite
Vomiting
Inability to keep their balance
Urinary incontinence
Lethargy
Seizures
Abnormal enlargement of a toddler’s head
Irritability
Change in personality
A decline in school performance

In Adults

Urinary incontinence
Poor coordination
Inability to maintain their balance
Memory loss
Changes in gait when walking
Declining reasoning skills
Headache
Lethargy
Impaired vision

Treatment for Hydrocephalus

There are several types of treatment to manage hydrocephalus. In fact, early detection and intervention can help a person lead a relatively full and active lifestyle. However, keep in mind that the severity of the condition will have an effect on the person’s quality of life. The most common forms of treatment include:

1. Using a Shunt

This is a surgical instrument used to drain fluid from the brain. The tube is inserted in the head and tunneled under the skin to another part of the body where the fluid can be absorbed more easily. This could be in a body part far from the brain, such as the chest or abdomen.

2. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

This procedure punctures a membrane on the third ventricle of the brain to create a pathway for the flow of fluid. The surgeon is able to look inside the brain through a small video camera at the end of their surgical instrument.

3. Choroid Plexus Cauterization (CPC)

The choroid plexus is located in the innermost portion of the brain, close to the spinal cord. It lines all ventricles of the brain. For this procedure, the surgeon burns choroid plexus tissue. This allows the excess fluid trapped within one of the brain’s ventricles to escape into its normal pathways.

Keep in mind that the best way to ensure your child’s likelihood of successful treatment is to undergo these procedures as soon as possible. Therefore, if you have a baby, always make sure to keep every single one of their well-baby appointments. This will allow their pediatrician to closely monitor your child’s physical development, as well as their motor skills.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care in Florida

It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of skilled professionals at Sonas Home Health Care is here to help.

Our home care services offer support in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.

If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Health Care Services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today at (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.