Hydrocephalus Treatment – What to Know About It
Hydrocephalus is a condition where the fluids in the brain become too much. The excess fluid causes pressure to be placed on the skull, which may damage it over time. If left unchecked, hydrocephalus may eventually be fatal.
Hydrocephalus can occur for a number of reasons, but the abnormal accumulation of fluids usually happens as a result of trauma. This includes either being hit in the head, a whiplash type injury, or any other type of impact to the head that involves the neck or head. A baby who suffers from hydrocephalus is more likely to suffer from problems in developing speech and language, along with cognitive deficits. Other babies, especially those who have been exposed to alcohol or drugs, are also at risk.
Hydrocephalus may not cause a problem if the abnormal accumulation of fluids in the skull is temporary. But in more severe cases, the situation becomes quite serious and requires immediate medical attention. When a child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus, treatment usually involves surgery to increase the size of the skull in order to make room for the extra fluid. The procedure is often done with an endoscope, a small instrument that has a long, slender scope. It allows doctors to take a quick visual inspection of the spinal cord and brain without having to make the incision in an open area.
After surgery, the doctor may recommend a cranial sacral manipulation, an invasive procedure that involves using electrical current to massage the spine and brain. This type of procedure can help relieve pressure in the brain and reduce the amount of pressure put on the skull. It will also allow doctors to work on the other problems associated with hydrocephalus, such as seizures and cognitive problems.
Although there are several surgical procedures for treating this condition, one of the most common is the use of a minimally invasive procedure known as endovascular ultrasound. This technique involves inserting a catheter into the middle ear or the spinal canal and then imaging the spinal cord to locate the affected areas.
A catheter is then used to inject a dye that is displayed on images on a monitor, allowing the doctor to display images of the spinal cord on a computer. If there are problems in the spinal cord or brain tissue around it, images will show which part of the affected tissue is causing the problem.
A patient diagnosed with hydrocephalus should have regular check-ups at the end of each month to check the status
Hydrocephalus is usually treated for both the underlying spinal abnormality and the resulting fluid buildup. Surgery is suitable for children and adults with mild hydrocephalus, but the procedure is not always the best option.
Fortunately, there are many other treatment options available. Since hydrocephalus is a progressive disease, the condition is often treatable through physical therapy. Physical therapy includes activities that exercise the muscles, such as yoga and Pilates, to improve muscle tone.
Patients also need to do a spinal cord stretching exercises and learn to control and manipulate their sphincter muscles. This helps to keep the sphincter from relaxing and causing the brain to fall back into the bladder.
In some cases, medicines may be prescribed to reduce symptoms and improve breathing. St. John's Wort and other antidepressants may be prescribed for mild cases of hydrocephalus. Doctors may also prescribe medications that help to control seizures or improve cognitive function.
Although surgery remains the main treatment options, some people choose to try non-surgical treatments as well. These options are more appealing because they don't involve a high degree of risk. For example, acupuncture may provide temporary relief from symptoms.
