Hydrocephalus is an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The primary function of this fluid is to protect and nourish the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs when the production, distribution and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid are out of balance. Hydrocephalus can happen to anyone, but is more common in infants and people over the age of 60.
REASON
Some factors that cause hydrocephalus include:
- Bleeding in the brain due to premature birth
- Abnormal development of the brain and spine, blocking the flow of cerebral fluid
- Infections during pregnancy that can trigger inflammation of the fetal brain, for example rubella or syphilis.
- Congenital birth defects, such as Dandy-Walker syndrome
In addition, there are several factors that can increase the risk of hydrocephalus at all ages, namely:
- Tumors in the brain and spinal cord
- Bleeding in the brain due to head injury or stroke
- Infections of the brain and spinal cord, such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Injury or impact to the head that affects the brain
SYMPTOM
Hydrocephalus in infants is characterized by a rapidly enlarging head circumference. In addition, a soft lump will appear on the crown of the head. In addition to changes in head size, symptoms of hydrocephalus that can be experienced by infants with hydrocephalus are:
- Fussy
- Easily sleepy
- Doesn't want to breastfeed
- Vomit
- Stunted growth
- Seizures
In children, adults, and the elderly, the symptoms of hydrocephalus that appear depend on the age of the sufferer. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Decreased memory and concentration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual impairment
- Body coordination disorder
- Balance disorders
- Difficulty holding urine
- Head enlargement
Untreated hydrocephalus can cause disruption in a child's physical and intellectual development. In adults, untreated hydrocephalus can cause symptoms to become permanent.
When to see a doctor?
Children and adults who experience some of the above symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Seek medical help immediately if your baby shows any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breastfeeding or eating
- Frequent vomiting without knowing why
- Crying with a high-pitched voice
- Lie still and refuse to move your head
- Hard to breathe
- Seizures
Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus in infants can be seen from the enlarged shape of their heads. While in adult patients, hydrocephalus can be known by doctors through questions and answers about the symptoms experienced followed by a physical examination.
Next, the doctor will perform a scan with an ultrasound, CT scan , or MRI. The scan aims to confirm the diagnosis, find out the cause of hydrocephalus, and detect the possibility of other conditions related to the patient's symptoms.
TREATMENT
Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, causing problems with physical and mental development. If left untreated, it is usually fatal. With proper treatment, patients can live normal lives with few limitations.
- Treatment usually involves surgery to insert a shunt . A shunt is a flexible plastic tube. The shunt moves the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be permanently absorbed.
- Other therapies are ventriculostomy, the procedure is almost the same as a shunt , but without installing a permanent device but only with a tube out of the head to drain cerebrospinal fluid temporarily. Or by using an endoscope to connect the fluid cavities in the brain.
PREVENTION
Prevention of congenital hydrocephalus begins during pregnancy. Pregnant women must undergo regular check-ups so that if there is a viral infection, it can be identified and treated immediately. Make sure that pregnant women, babies, and children receive complete immunizations according to the government's schedule. Several causes of hydrocephalus such as rubella infection, meningitis, and encephalitis can be prevented by immunization. While acquired hydrocephalus can be treated by treating the underlying cause.
Article written by dr. Lukas Galileo Malau, Sp. BS (Neurosurgery Specialist Doctor at EMC Cikarang & Alam Sutera Hospital).