Medical science is complex, it includes studying topics like diseases, causes, and treatments to help people live healthy lives. One such topic that is crucial to understand in detail is Hydrocephalus.
So, let’s understand the basics about the subject and then we will discuss how you can grab in-depth information and study resources about the subject.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological disorder where the fluid (Cerebrospinal fluid) builds inside the brain.
Though the Cerebrospinal fluid is already present inside the brain and acts as a caution, the excess can permanently damage the brain. It puts pressure on the skull and squashes surrounding brain tissue, which causes problems with physical and mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal.
The condition is primarily common in infants or people older than 60. The common symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:
Increase in the size of an infant's head
A bulge or tense soft spot on the top of the head
Nausea and vomiting
Sleepiness or sluggishness
Poor eating
Seizures
Eyes fixed downward
Problems with muscle tone and strength.
The following are the more common symptoms of hydrocephalus among adults 60 and older:
Loss of bladder control
Memory loss
Progressive loss of reasoning skills.
Trouble walking
Poor coordination or balance.
Remember: The systems among toddlers, children, and middle-aged adults can differ.
Types of Hydrocephalus
The following are the different types of Hydrocephalus:
Congenital hydrocephalus: It is caused by a brain malformation or birth defect that causes excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to accumulate in brain cavities, called subarachnoid space.
Acquired hydrocephalus: Usually resulting from a stroke, brain tumour, meningitis, or a severe head injury.
Communicating hydrocephalus: A condition when the flow of CSF is blocked after leaving the ventricles. Because CSF can still flow between the brain’s ventricles, it is also called “communicating.”
Non-communicating hydrocephalus: Also known as obstructive hydrocephalus, this type occurs when the narrow pathways connecting the ventricles become blocked.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus: NPH affects primarily those aged 60 and up. It can arise following a stroke, injury, infection, surgery, or hemorrhage.
Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: Occurs after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or degenerative disease. In this type, as brain tissue shrinks, the brain's ventricles become larger.
Now that we know the symptoms and types of hydrocephalus, let's dive in to learn about the causes so we can understand the problem better.
What is the Main Cause of Hydrocephalus
There are two distinct cause categories into which hydrocephalus can be classified:
Congenital
Acquired
Congenital hydrocephalus is the result of both genetic and environmental factors working together during foetal development. The following are the main reasons for congenital hydrocephalus:
Spina bifida and other brain and spinal cord (neural tube) defects.
A narrowing of the small passage between the third and fourth ventricles of the brain (aqueductal stenosis).
Complications of premature birth, such as bleeding within ventricles.
Mom has an infection during pregnancy.
On the other hand, Acquired hydrocephalus develops after birth and can affect people of all ages. Below, we have listed the most common causes of acquired hydrocephalus:
Brain or spinal cord tumours
Head trauma
Stroke
Meningitis or other infections of your brain or spinal cord.
After gaining a basic understanding of the subject, let us give you a solution that will help you get more details of the topic: Pediatrics MD Course!
Enroll in an online pediatrics course.
Without the assistance of a professional, it can be challenging to find the study material and understand the basics of the subject.
That is why Dr. Piyush Gupta designed this course for students preparing for an MD in pediatrics.
The course includes pediatrics video lectures along with other crucial resources.
So start your journey toward a good hold on the subject, and enroll in the course now!
Comments
Post a Comment