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.
What is the life expectancy of someone with hydrocephalus?
Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately,
50% of the affected patients die before three years of age
and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.
What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus?
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) meningitis – an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Can hydrocephalus be cured?
Hydrocephalus has no cure
, but there are treatments that allow those affected to lead fairly normal lives with the condition. In some cases, it is possible for the blockage that is causing the fluid to build in the brain to be surgically removed.
What causes a baby to be born with hydrocephalus?
When hydrocephalus is congenital, it may be the result of a condition like
spina bifida
, where the baby’s spine does not form normally, or aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the passage between the third and fourth ventricles in the brain. Hydrocephalus may also be caused by a genetic disorder.
How is hydrocephalus managed?
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.
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 old is the oldest person with hydrocephalus?
The longest living hydrocephalic is Theresa Alvina Schaan (Canada) who was born on the
17 March 1941
and diagnosed with having congenital hydrocephalus.
Can hydrocephalus be 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.
Does hydrocephalus affect memory?
Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate.
Memory loss
. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills.
Does hydrocephalus hurt?
Sitting up for a while may improve the headache. However, as the condition progresses, headaches may become continuous. Other symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus include:
neck pain
.
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 a person with hydrocephalus drive?
Hydrocephalus typically affects
visual acuity, coordination, judgment, and concentration
, all of the skills which are necessary to drive. Just learning how to coordinate between controlling the steering wheel and applying the accelerator or brake can be a daunting task when you have poor motor skills.
How long do babies born with hydrocephalus live?
Most of the newborns born with hydrocephalus will have a
normal lifespan
, and approximately 40 to 50 percent will have normal intelligence. Seizure disorders have been diagnosed in about 10 percent of children with hydrocephalus. The mortality rate for infants is approximately 5 percent.
What is the treatment for hydrocephalus in the child?
The most common hydrocephalus treatment is
a shunt
, a small piece of silicone tubing placed surgically inside the body to bypass a blockage or otherwise create a better flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The shunt allows for fluid to flow through it in one direction.
Can a child outgrow hydrocephalus?
In most cases, the implantation of a shunt will successfully control hydrocephalus, but shunts do not cure hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition. However, with proper treatment and maintenance,
children with hydrocephalus can lead normal lives with few limitations
.
