Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo

In this article you will read about Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo, its signs and symptoms and treatment. The “Hydrocephalus” is Greek word which means watery head. As you understand the meaning of Hydrocephalus, it will be easy to know more about this disease. In this disease, the cerebrospinal fluid pressure on the ventricular system of the brain is increases due to some certain reasons. These reasons can be injury which creates blood clot in the ventricle of brain which results in the restriction of cerebrospinal fluid to move towards spinal card. This restricted fluid exerts pressure on the brain cells and Hydrocephalus develops. The complications may lead to damage of brain cell which is a hazardous situation. The other reason may be some kind of stroke which causes the shrinkage of brain cavity resulting to increase in fluid pressure on brain cells. Brain tumor is also a cause of hydrocephalus which exerts pressure on the brain cells. Hydrocephalus can be developed congenitally due to improper growth of fetus in uterus. In some cases Hydrocephalus develops due to gradual blockage of CSF drainage system which also results to increase pressure of CSF on brain. These are some common reasons which can cause hydrocephalus ex-vacuo. There are many other reasons but we will concentrate on the said particular reasons because these are commonly seen in majority of the patients.

            The sign and symptoms of Hydrocephalus are partially different in the patients of different ages and the nature or reason of the disease. In case of children who have problem of hydrocephalus by birth, there is enlargement of head size as compare to normal. This can be measured by every visit of the patient and finding the difference from previous measurement. Other symptoms in the infants include vomiting or nausea, convulsions and irritability. In case of adults, head enlargement is not noticed due to hard cranial bones but some additional symptoms including sever headache and blurred vision can be observed. In prolonged effects unbalancing of body during walking, delayed responding time and poor physical and mental coordination can be noticed. Other symptoms in adult are fatigue, personality disorders, memory loss and double vision. Treatment can be divided in to two parts as symptomatic and curative. Symptomatic treatment is only given to make the patient comfortable which provides temporary relief. Giving orally or inject-able for relief of pain is included in symptomatic treatment. Surgery is recommended as curative treatment. Insertion of shunt to convert the CSF towards blood stream may relief the pressure on the brain. Shunt requires revision due to danger of infection.