Hydrocephalus is a condition that is normally found in infants and young children, but in some cases it will occur in adults. The condition is caused by a build up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which causes increased pressure. This pressure makes the brain tissue swell and press against the cranium. For young children and infants, hydrocephalus shows itself by misshapen or unusually large head size. Adult patients' brains may swell, but the main symptom seen in young children is not what you will find for older adults. If you think your child or loved one is experiencing hydrocephalus, see your doctor immediately.
Instructions
1. Know the symptoms for infants and young children. Hydrocephalus can present itself as early as during pregnancy (while the fetus is in utero). If you are pregnant, be sure to have regular ultrasounds. That way your obstetrician can diagnose any problems and identify hydrocephalus prior to the baby's birth. After birth, if your baby or young child's head grows abnormally or becomes unusually large, see your pediatrician right away. Unusual head size is the give-away symptom in young children, but there can also be sleepiness, headache, coordination problems, loss of appetite and personality change.
2. Know the symptoms for older children and adults. In older children and adults, symptoms can include headache with vomiting, coordination problems, sleepiness, memory loss, and personality changes. Hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired. Congenital means that the patient was born with the disease, while acquired means that the patient acquired the disease after birth.
3. Know the symptoms for senior citizens. In senior citizens, Hydrocephalus is often misdiagnosed as dementia, as the symptoms for both illnesses include memory loss. With Hydrocephalus, however, typically there is also urinary incontinence and coordination problems as well. Other symptoms include personality changes, drowsiness and headache.
4. Make an appointment to see your doctor. Whether it is for your child, you, or someone you love, see the doctor immediately. To diagnose, consent to diagnostic testing. Typical tests run are a CT scan and MRI of the brain, blood tests, a spinal tap and other X-rays.
5. Receive treatment. Hydrocephalus can be treated, although there is no cure. Typically, patients will undergo surgery to have a shunt inserted in their brains. The shunt is a tube that allows the cerebrospinal fluid to drain properly. With proper drainage, the patient's brain is relieved of fluid buildup.
Tags: young children, coordination problems, Know symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid, children adults, doctor immediately, head size