Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Overview

Hydrocephalus is not a singular disease but a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. Typical symptoms of hydrocephalus include headache, weakness in the lower limbs, instability when walking or standing, delayed reaction, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through lumbar puncture observation. Prompt medical examination and treatment are crucial for patients with hydrocephalus. Regular rest and attention to lifestyle are also essential. While there are various treatment methods for hydrocephalus, surgical intervention is often the primary approach, supplemented by medication or other therapies. The goal is to eliminate the underlying cause and reduce intracranial pressure through ventricular shunting.

Best Treatment Options for Hydrocephalus

The primary treatment for hydrocephalus is surgical, often involving cerebrospinal fluid shunting procedures such as ventriculo-atrial shunt, ventriculo-sagittal sinus shunt, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Among these, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is relatively safer with fewer complications and is thus more commonly used. In acute cases where high intracranial pressure causes rapid vision loss, emergency cerebrospinal fluid shunting or ventricular puncture with continuous external drainage may be necessary. In addition to surgical intervention, medication and other therapies may be used as adjunctive treatments. The general approach focuses on preventing the formation of cerebral hernia, timely dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure, nourishing nerves, and actively managing the underlying disease.

Medication is generally only suitable for mild cases of hydrocephalus, particularly in children under two years old, where drugs that inhibit cerebrospinal fluid secretion are preferred. Both surgical and medicinal treatments can often cure hydrocephalus, resulting in improved symptoms and quality of life. However, there is still a risk of complications.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is not a single disease but can arise from various causes, most commonly following cranial trauma or the presence of intracranial masses. These conditions can lead to impaired cerebrospinal fluid absorption, circulation blockage, or overproduction, resulting in the progressive dilation of ventricles and/or subarachnoid spaces. Based on pressure, hydrocephalus can be classified as high intracranial pressure hydrocephalus or normal intracranial pressure hydrocephalus. According to cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, it can be further categorized as communicating hydrocephalus or obstructive hydrocephalus.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

The typical symptoms of hydrocephalus include headache, weakness in the lower limbs, instability when walking or standing, urinary incontinence, ataxia, delayed reaction, and decreased spontaneous speech and physical activity. Diagnosis is confirmed through lumbar puncture observation. Non-surgical treatments may be suitable for patients in the early stages or with mild, slowly progressing conditions. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases with high intracranial pressure (exceeding 250mmH2O) or when non-surgical treatments have failed. Both surgical and medicinal treatments can often effectively treat hydrocephalus, leading to improved symptoms and quality of life. However, it is important to note that some complications may still occur.

The severity of neurological dysfunction in patients with hydrocephalus is positively correlated with the degree of hydrocephalus.