In most cases, hydrocephalus has no definitive cure, but it can be controlled and treated by different types of surgery, which must be guided by the neurologist and should be performed as soon as possible, to avoid sequelae, such as delayed physical development. mental, for example.
Although childhood hydrocephalus is more common, this change can also occur in adults or the elderly, in which case it is more common as a result of infections or stroke, for example. Learn about the other causes of hydrocephalus and the main symptoms.
- Treatment for hydrocephalus may vary by cause.
- But the neurologist usually recommends surgery to relieve symptoms and control the disease.
- Thus.
- Treatment may be by:.
The insertion of the shunt may be performed in case of fetal or congenital hydrocephalus, which occurs in the fetus, after 24 weeks, by moving the CSF into the amniotic fluid. After birth, the baby should have additional surgery to divert fluid to another area of the body. Although hydrocephalus is not yet possible, mothers can avoid it by taking folic acid before and during pregnancy. Here’s how to take folic acid during pregnancy.
After bypass surgery for hydrocephalus, complications such as valve malfunction or tube obstruction may occur to drain fluid. In most cases, other surgeries are needed to change the system, adjust valve pressure, or correct the blockage, for example.
On the other hand, ventriculostomy is also not a definitive treatment, as CSF can re-accumulate in the brain, requiring additional procedures.
For example, it is important that the child, adult or elderly with hydrocephalus periodically consults the neurologist to prevent these complications and treat them as soon as possible, in order to avoid brain damage.
The consequences of hydrocephalus occur when treatment is not performed in the early stages of the change, increasing damage to brain tissue. For example, your child may have mental or motor development issues, such as learning, reasoning, speech, memory, walking, or controlling your desire to urinate or defecate, for example. In extreme cases, hydrocephalus can cause irreparable brain damage, such as mental retardation or paralysis, or even death.
In cases where the child has changes in development, physical therapy is critical in treatment, to help the child be as independent as possible.