What moderate external hydrocephalus

Moderate external hydrocephalus may be a separate disease and a symptom of other diseases (stroke, brain injury, tumor, infection). In most cases hydrocephalus develops on the background of atherosclerosis, hypertension, disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Causes and symptoms moderate external hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus occurs as a consequence of excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the cerebrospinal fluid. This provokes an increase in intracranial pressure. Consequently, the substance of the brain is squeezed, the space between the soft and arachnoid membranes is reduced, the CSF is not absorbed into the venous system. Moderate external hydrocephalus develops under the influence of harmful factors in the prenatal period (congenital syphilis, congenital toxoplasmosis, generalized cytomegaly). The child affects the parts of the nervous system can develop defects that affect the cerebrospinal fluid and its properties. In this case, external hydrocephalus is a congenital. It is often diagnosed in preterm infants. In this disease in newborns is the fontanel, meningeal symptoms are observed (the crowding of the head, nystagmus, strabismus).

Hydrocephalus usually becomes noticeable while accelerating the growth of the head circumference, not age appropriate.

Purchased moderately expressed hydrocephalus develops after inflammatory processes and traumatic brain injury. Hypotrophic hydrocephalus is caused by malnutrition of the substance of the brain. In adult patients, a decrease in vision, hearing, and intellectual abilities. The main signs of moderate external hydrocephalus: headache, nausea and vomiting, a violation of vestibular function, constant drowsiness, double vision, involuntary urination.

Moderately expressed external hydrocephalus: diagnosis and treatment

For the diagnosis of moderate external hydrocephalus, the patient needs to be examined by a neurosurgeon and neurologist. A diagnosis of moderately severe external hydrocephalus is put on the results of magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment of moderately severe external hydrocephalus will depend on the state of brain structures, their displacement from the level of intracranial pressure.

Also used to diagnose x-rays, ultrasound, craniography, angiography.

In some cases, conservative treatment: diet, reduction of fluid intake, therapeutic exercise. Prescribed drugs that lower blood pressure, normalize the function of the brain, its tissue provide the necessary nutrients. However, these therapies do not eliminate the cause of the disease, in this case, surgery is indicated. The most modern method of surgical treatment of moderate external hydrocephalus, endoscopic treatment is considered. This creates conditions for outflow of fluid through natural openings (without the introduction of foreign objects).