Hydrocephalus, Cause and Treatment

Hydrocephalus is an increase in the accumulation of fluid in the brain that causes the fluid sacs in the brain (ventricles) to widen.

Cerebral fluid is produced in these sacs, flows and moistens the brain to the spinal canal and is absorbed by blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Every day, about 0.5 liters of cerebrospinal fluid is produced. If the circulation and/or absorption of this fluid is disrupted, the amount will increase and cause increased pressure in the brain.

In infants, the increase in fluid accumulation causes the head to enlarge and over time disrupts brain development. If not treated, it can damage brain cells to the point of blindness and even life-threatening.

Some hydrocephalus is caused by brain tumors, or bleeding (often in newborns), or infection/meningitis, or neglect of the brain's own formation such as aqueductal stenosis and Chiari malformation.

There are two categories of hydrocephalus:

1. Non-communicating hydrocephalus: there is a disruption in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

2. Communicating hydrocephalus: there is a disruption in the absorption section.

Hydrocephalus can be treated with therapy. The goal of therapy in this case is to normalize the pressure in the brain, thus preventing life-threatening and limiting disability, and restoring the normal function of brain development. Management of this case includes:

1. Addressing the cause, for example by removing the tumor, or treating the infection with medication.

2. Performing surgery to create an alternative pathway for cerebral fluid circulation:

a) Ventriculocisternostomy/3rd-ventriculostomy. This operation uses a small camera to create a hole in the floor of the third ventricle.

b) Creating an artificial pathway (shunt) using a special implant made of silicone. Cerebral fluid is drained into other physiological sacs such as the stomach or into blood vessels.

Babies with hydrocephalus can experience various developmental abnormalities. However, with proper treatment, babies with hydrocephalus can survive. Therefore, it is important to immediately take action to avoid brain damage in babies. Healthy greetings.