What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, causing them to enlarge and increase pressure on the brain. It can occur in newborns (congenital), infants, children, or adults. Dr Simranjeet Singh at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi provides surgical management of hydrocephalus.
Types
- Communicating Hydrocephalus: CSF can flow between ventricles but absorption is impaired
- Non-Communicating (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: Blockage preventing CSF flow
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): Adults, despite normal pressures
- Ex Vacuo Hydrocephalus: Enlarged ventricles due to brain tissue loss
Symptoms in Newborns/Infants
- Rapidly increasing head circumference
- Full, bulging fontanelle (soft spot)
- Eyes looking downward (“sunset sign”)
- Poor feeding and irritability
- Vomiting
Symptoms in Older Children and Adults
- Headache (especially in the morning)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision disturbances
- Cognitive decline, memory problems
- Walking difficulty, urinary incontinence (NPH triad)
Diagnosis
Head ultrasound (infants), CT scan (initial assessment), MRI brain (detailed evaluation), ICP monitoring in selected cases.
Treatment
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt
A catheter is placed in the brain ventricle, tunnelled under the skin to the abdomen where excess CSF is absorbed. The most common treatment, with programmable shunt valves available.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
A small opening is created in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to bypass an obstruction. Preferred for obstructive hydrocephalus – no implant required.
Expert hydrocephalus treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
