One of the reasons I studied medicine is because I wanted to support individuals and families who were going through difficult circumstances but who, with accurate information, would find peace of mind and know how to proceed.
I know from experience that there is nothing worse than facing a diagnosis without the doctor’s empathy to explain what is really happening and how the patient can be helped to improve their quality of life.
For that reason, I also write in this blog health education topics or develop approaches to diseases or conditions, so that you can get a guide; Although this does not replace a medical diagnosis or an appointment with your specialist, today I would like to explain what hydrocephalus is and what type of treatment can be performed in children and older adults.
What is hydrocephalus?
To answer that question I will use a definition from the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious in the world, due to its simplicity and clarity:
“Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of fluid within the deep cavities (ventricles) of the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.”
What causes hydrocephalus?
In this sense, it is important to clarify that hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but it is more frequent in babies and adults over 60 years of age.
For example, in babies, hydrocephalus can also be caused by genetic defects or certain infections during pregnancy.
And in the case of older adults, with normal pressure hydrocephalus, there is no single known cause, although it can occur from certain head injuries, meningitis, or a brain aneurysm.
What is the treatment of hydrocephalus?
I always explain to my patients that surgical treatment for hydrocephalus can restore normal levels of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
The surgery that is generally performed to treat this condition is intraventricular endoscopy, which is carried out through a small hole in the skull where an optical camera is inserted that allows visualizing all the brain cavities in which the cerebrospinal fluid circulates and manipulate the instruments. It is minimally invasive and considerably reduces the patient’s intracerebral trauma.
If you think you, your child, or someone else in your family may be experiencing the symptoms of hydrocephalus, please contact me immediately. I will attend you with absolute professionalism.
