Can hydrocephalus be cured? Get to know different treatments
Hydrocephalus can cause seizures and damage the baby's brain. Therefore, if this condition is not resolved immediately, it can be fatal. So, can hydrocephalus be cured?
Can hydrocephalus be cured?
So far, there is no way to completely cure hydrocephalus. However, thanks to early detection and various preventative measures, the quality of life of sufferers of this disease can be improved.
Hydrocephalus treatment depends on the speed of diagnosis and treatment of the disease and the presence or absence of the underlying disease. Hydrocephalus in infants can be diagnosed by:
- Prenatal ultrasonography
Regular prenatal ultrasonography can detect the early presence of hydrocephalus in a developing fetus during pregnancy.
- Measure the baby's head regularly after birth
When the baby is born, routine measurements of the baby's head can be done to detect hydrocephalus. If an anomaly is found. for example, because head size increases rapidly and exceeds the size of a baby in general, a closer examination is needed.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT
Hydrocephalus can be confirmed with an MRI or CT scan that can provide a more detailed picture of the baby's brain.
Hydrocephalus must be treated immediately to reduce the pressure on the baby's brain. Because if not, there is a risk of serious brain damage that regulates important bodily functions, such as baby's breathing and heartbeat.
With quick treatment, babies with hydrocephalus can lead normal lives. However, in babies with more complex medical conditions, such as spina bifida or bleeding in the brain early on, they may have more health problems that need to be addressed.
In addition, the extent of symptoms also influences the severity of hydrocephalus. Many children suffer permanent brain damage from hydrocephalus, which can affect their physical and intellectual development.
Hydrocephal babies can lead normal lives with certain limitations. However, with the help of various professionals, such as pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child development therapists, physical and occupational therapists, disability can be controlled and its effects minimized.
Therapeutic options for babies with hydrocephalus
Although doctors can diagnose hydrocephalus because the baby is in the womb, treatment is usually done at the time of the baby's birth. Some therapies for babies with hydrocephalus, namely:
- shunt
Shunt is the main therapy used in people with hydrocephalus. In this therapy, a special tube is placed in the brain to drain excess fluid. Excess brain fluid is distributed to other parts of the body that are more easily absorbed, such as the stomach, chest cavity, and heart. Then the liquid will be absorbed by the bloodstream.
Tubes in place are long flexible tubes with valves that prevent brain fluid from flowing in the right direction and at the right level. The valve in the shunt therapy regulates the flow to prevent excessive or insufficient drainage of the fluid to the brain. Shunt therapy can be used to treat hydrocephalus from any cause. This therapy is necessary for life in patients with hydrocephalus.
Although effective, but the work of this tool can not last forever, or can only last for years, he needs another operation to fix it if it has stopped working. Additional surgery may also be needed to insert a longer tube as the baby gets older.
Therefore, routine monitoring is needed for this therapy. The risk of complications from shunt treatment is infection that requires antibiotic injection and shunt tube replacement.
- ventriculostomy
Ventriculostomy treatment, called third endoscopic ventriculostomy (ETV), is another option for hydrocephalus treatment, although it is rarely performed in infants. During this therapy, the doctor inserts a small camera into the baby's brain and makes a hole in one of the ventricles (brain cavities) or between the ventricles using a device that opens a blockage. Excess brain fluid will flow through the hole and will be absorbed by the blood.
Babies with hydrocephalus tend to suffer various developmental disorders, including intelligence, memory and vision. But with proper care, most babies with hydrocephalus can survive. Even about half of them have normal intelligence.
Therefore, treatment as soon as possible is needed after learning that the baby is hydrocephalus to prevent brain damage to death. Remember to always consult with your doctor about the baby's condition and the type of therapy that must be followed to get the right treatment.
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