How is hydrocephalus diagnosed? Hydrocephalus may be diagnosed
before birth by prenatal ultrasound
, a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.
How does a neurologist diagnose hydrocephalus?
To diagnose hydrocephalus, a neurosurgeon or neurologist takes a
thorough medical history and performs a neurological evaluation and physical exam
. Doctors then perform an ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan to confirm enlargement of the ventricles and determine the cause of the hydrocephalus.
What tests are used to diagnose hydrocephalus?
CT scans and MRI scans
are often used in combination to confirm a diagnosis of hydrocephalus present from birth (congenital) and hydrocephalus that develops later in children and adults (acquired). These scan the brain in detail.
How is hydrocephalus in adults diagnosed?
A diagnosis is made by
using brain imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
, and through clinical neurological evaluation during a doctor visit. More tests are often performed in adults in order to diagnose the condition.
Does a CT scan show fluid on the brain?
CT Scan. CT scans use X-rays and computer imaging to create
detailed pictures of the brain
. The doctor may use this test to identify if the ventricles are enlarged, indicating cerebrospinal fluid buildup.
At what age is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
Hydrocephalus is typically detected through a prenatal ultrasound
between 15 and 35 weeks gestation
. Our specialists are able to confirm this diagnosis with a fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam, which provides more detailed images of the brain.
Can hydrocephalus go away?
Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled,
but usually not cured
. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations.
Does hydrocephalus show up on MRI?
Congenital and acquired hydrocephalus
CT scans and MRI scans are often used in combination to confirm a diagnosis of
hydrocephalus
present from birth (congenital) and hydrocephalus that develops later in children and adults (acquired). These scan the brain in detail.
What is the main cause of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is caused by
an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream
. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. It flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels.
Can hydrocephalus be misdiagnosed?
The Hydrocephalus Association estimates that nearly 700,000 adults have normal pressure hydrocephalus, but it is often
misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
. In fact, less than 20 percent of people with the disease are properly diagnosed.
How is hydrocephalus treated in adults?
The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is
the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt
. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate.
What is the survival rate of hydrocephalus?
The mortality rate for hydrocephalus and associated therapy ranges from
0 to 3%
. This rate is highly dependent on the duration of follow-up care. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70% at 12 months and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively.
What is the main cause of hydrocephalus in adults?
Hydrocephalus that develops in children and adults
Possible causes of acquired hydrocephalus include:
bleeding inside the brain
– for example, if blood leaks over the surface of the brain (subarachnoid haemorrhage) blood clots in the brain (venous thrombosis)
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed on CT scan?
- Size of both temporal horns is greater than 2 mm, clearly visible. …
- Ratio of the largest width of the frontal horns to maximal biparietal diameter (ie, Evans ratio) is greater than 30% in hydrocephalus.
How long is hospital stay for shunt surgery?
About the Shunt Operation
The actual surgical procedure to implant a shunt typically requires about an hour in the operating room. Afterward, you will be carefully observed for 24 hours. Your stay in the hospital will generally be for
two to four days total
.
How is hydrocephalus treated without surgery?
Hydrocephalus is usually treated by
placing an extracranial CSF shunt
. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, however, has been revived recently as a less invasive method for treatment. We intended to avoid shunting or to eliminate the previously placed shunt with this procedure.
