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In most cases hydrocephalus has no definitive cure, however it can be controlled and treated through 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 development and mental, for example.
Although childhood hydrocephalus is more frequent, this change can also occur in adults or the elderly, in which case it is more frequent as a result of infections or a stroke, for example. Know other causes of hydrocephalus and main symptoms.
How to treat hydrocephalus
Treatment for hydrocephalus may vary according to the cause, however the neurologist usually recommends performing surgical procedures to relieve symptoms and control the disease. Thus, treatment can be through:
- Inserting 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 introducing a thin device through a hole in the skull to relieve pressure in the brain and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The insertion of shunt it can be done in the case of fetal or congenital hydrocephalus, which occurs in the fetus, after 24 weeks, by diverting 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. Here's how to take folic acid in pregnancy.
Possible 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 required 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.
Therefore, 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 damage to the brain.
Consequences of hydrocephalus
The consequences of hydrocephalus arise when treatment is not done in the early stages of the change, which increases damage to brain tissue. 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 become as independent as possible.