Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid, known as CSF, in the brain. CSF is produced in the choroids plexus and it is usually transported through the ventricles in the brain. It is also found outside the brain and in the spinal canal. Hydrocephalus occurs when the CSF is blocked or when there is excess fluid in the brain. This condition causes pressure on the brain that leads to the swelling of the ventricles. The ventricles are then pushed against the skull causing tissues to either be damaged or destroyed. Hydrocephalus can be congenital, caused by a birth defect, or acquired, caused by a tra
Antibiotics are used at the sign of an infection, but severe infections may require the removal of the shunt. Although it mostly occurs in young children, hydrocephalus may be present in adults and the elderly. In infants, the primary sign of hydrocephalus is enlargement of the head. Complications occur with 25% to 60% of all shunt procedures. The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending upon the age of the person, when the problem developed, the cause of the condition, and the damage that occurred to the tissues due to the swelling of the ventricles. There are some problems that can occur with shunting such as obstruction of the shunt or an infection. The only way to protect a child from acquiring hydrocephalus is to protect the child from a trauma to the head. In most instances, heredity is not a factor for acquiring hydrocephalus. Each year, over 10,000 babies are born and diagnosed with this condition. If hydrocephalus is left untreated it has a 50% to 60% death rate, with the survivors having physical, mental, and neurological disabilities. There is not a way of preventing hydrocephalus if it is congenital. There is no known cure for hydrocephalus, but the condition can be treated and kept under control. Other symptoms in infants include lethargy (sleepiness), vomiting, decreased mental functions, et cetera. To allow the excess CSF to drain back into the bloodstream and to decrease pressure on the brain, the shunt is inserted into the ventricular system of the brain.
Common topics in this essay:
HYDROCEPHALUS Hydrocephalus,
hydrocephalus congenital,
pressure brain,
acquiring hydrocephalus,
hydrocephalus occurs,
protect child,
swelling ventricles,
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