Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Fluid in the Brain
What is Hydrocephalus?
Our brain contains small spaces called ventricles which are filled with fluid. These ventricles connect with the fluid around the spinal cord. And there is a continuous circulation of fluid around them. The fluid will increase in quantity if anything blocks or hinders the circulation. And in turn will increase pressure on the brain tissue. This is known as hydrocephalus.
What are the causes of Hydrocephalus?
The factors causing Hydrocephalus are
- Tumors
- Hemorrhages
- Meningitis
- Abnormalities present during birth.
What are the Symptoms of Hydrocephalus?
- In a new born baby the bones of the skull are not joined together and the pressure can push them apart, thus increasing the size of the baby’s head.
- In older children the bones are fused together. But the increase in pressure can cause severe headache and vomiting.
What Treatment is available for Hydrocephalus ?
- Shunt maybe used to drain the fluid away from the brain into the blood stream.
- Sometimes these shunts have to stay in a place for years and then need to be changed with the growth of the child.
December 13, 2008 | Filed Under
Childrens Health
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