Parents are often, in 90% of cases, scared when their child is diagnosed with asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain. But is it really so scary? What is the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles? What are the consequences of this diagnosis? Is there any fear of asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain, or does this mean nothing wrong? What about adults? Let's try to figure it out today.
What it is
The ventricles of the brain store cerebrospinal fluid (also known as cerebrospinal fluid). In the presence of pathologies, they can be increased in volume. The lateral ventricles are the largest in size. They have an occipital, temporal, frontal horns and a central part.
What is the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles? This is when one or both of the lateral ventricles are enlarged. An increase already indicates the presence of pathology.
Reasons for the appearance
Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles in adults may appear with age due to an increase in their size throughout its life. Diagnoses that involve dropsy of the brain (hydrocephalus) also contribute to an increase in ventricles. This deviation can occur in mentally ill people - schizophrenics and those suffering from biopolar disorder.
Do not panic if asymmetries of the lateral ventricles of the brain have been detected in the infant or in the newborn. This is a fairly common occurrence, which can be caused by the fact that the child’s head is less than necessary. In addition, in premature infants, the volume of the ventricles is much larger than in those born on time. There is nothing to be afraid of. Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles in the baby - imaginary fear.
The main causes of the appearance in newborns:
- intrauterine infections in the mother;
- asphyxia;
- birth injuries;
- hydrocephalus;
- cerebral hemorrhage;
- hypoxia (oxygen starvation);
- heredity;
- the age of a pregnant woman over 35 years old (increased risk of pathology).
Types
Doctors divide cases of an increase in the lateral ventricles of the brain into two types:
In 99% of cases, the cause of asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is hypoxia. The remaining percentage remains for infectious and rare diseases. That is why in most cases, the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is not dangerous for humans.
Hypertension
With oxygen starvation (that is, a lack of oxygen), cerebrospinal fluid is produced and accumulates, leading to increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension). Under this pressure, the ventricles increase, which can be seen with an ultrasound scan.
How dangerous is the hypertensive type? In fact, it is as dangerous as expressed. In the best case, a person feels only external discomfort. By the way, everyone who suffered a concussion experienced this discomfort.
Atrophic
This type is more dangerous than hypertension. However, do not be nervous, as it is quite rare.
With atrophic development of the disease, hydrocephalus appears in case of severe oxygen starvation. It can also be caused by certain diseases that have long been rare after losing a significant amount of blood or infection. Irreversible damage occurs to the brain that can result in such serious and terrible diagnoses as cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy) or other neurological diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms of asymmetry of the lateral ventricles depend on intracranial pressure, as they change with it. But one thing remains unchanged - a person always experiences discomfort (as with any disease, because there are no comfortable diseases).
Symptoms that can be detected:
- nausea, vomiting, regurgitation;
- enlargement of the head in size;
- revitalization of posotonic reflexes;
- constant concern, crying;
- weakening of swallowing and grabbing reflexes;
- divergence of the sagittal suture;
- fontanel swelling and tension;
- decreased muscle tone;
- hand shake;
- "syndrome of the rising sun" (the iris of the eye partially hidden is gone under the lower eyelid);
- swelling of the optic disc;
- restless sleep;
- decreased appetite;
- anemia;
- hallucinations;
- flies before the eyes;
- headache.
However, often the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles (in adults) does not manifest itself at all, they are found only with an ultrasound scan. Symptoms may not appear at all, it all happens individually.
In infants and newborns, it is easier to notice the disease, because the child will be inhibited, capricious. He may also refuse milk, and his gaze will be directed downward. It is very difficult for a parent not to notice that some changes have occurred in their baby. But this does not always happen in the same way as in adults; in some children, symptoms are not visible.
Danger
As with any disease, the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles has its own dangerous moments, threats to human health and life. But, in fact, this disease will bring its carrier only unpleasant symptoms (if any) and a small tempo (temporary) delay in the motor sphere. Of course, if a person ignores the doctor’s prescriptions, this will lead to grave consequences such as complications, coma, and even a fatal outcome for his life.
In the case of the atrophic type, the danger lies in the possible occurrence of cerebral palsy and other mental illnesses arising from brain damage.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made after an ultrasound scan. The doctor does not diagnose the asymmetry of the lateral ventricles visually, like any disease. Diagnosis is by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, neurosonogram, ophthalmologic examination of the fundus, and cerebrospinal fluid puncture.
If a slight increase is found, the doctor will prescribe a follow-up examination after a few months to see if they increase further or not. The growth of the baby’s head is measured regularly, and even the parents themselves can do it.
Treatment
The slight asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain of the baby does not require treatment, since it does not lead to serious violations, unless the ventricles increase in volume.
If the ventricles increase in size on an ongoing basis, then the patient may well be prescribed drugs such as diuretics, nootropic drugs, sedatives, antipsychotics, vasoconstrictor drugs, vitamin complexes, antibiotics and NSAIDs, which must be drunk without fail.
If the disease appeared due to a tumor or cyst, then the patient needs urgent surgical intervention of specialists, since complications can go right up to coma and death for the patient.
Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles requires a long and complex treatment. Especially if it has gone into a more severe form that threatens a person’s life or his health.
Effects
With small deviations, the asymmetry can pass on its own up to a year. The child must be observed by a neurologist on an ongoing basis so as not to miss the moment when the condition worsens.
If one or both ventricles is significantly enlarged, important parts of the brain are affected, then the following, quite terrible and terrible consequences of this disease may appear:
- cerebral palsy, Turner syndrome;
- mental underdevelopment, lagging behind peers in mental development;
- complete or partial loss of vision;
- enlargement of the head, deformation of the skull;
- epilepsy (predisposition of the body to the sudden onset of convulsive attacks);
- hallucinations.
In adults, ignoring the symptoms can lead to psychological disturbances, coma, or even death. That is why when they are detected, it is necessary to be examined, and then treated strictly according to the doctor’s recommendations.
Thus, we can summarize. If your child or you have been diagnosed with a “terrible” at first glance (asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain), do not immediately panic. Often there is absolutely no reason for this, because in 99% of cases this disease goes away quite easily, and only the remaining percentage can hide troubles (brain damage and the consequences that arise as a result). Be under the supervision of a doctor, undergo regular examinations and be treated conscientiously to eliminate any risk of complications or unpleasant consequences.