A disease such as hydrocephalus begins due to disturbances in the central nervous system of a person, in particular, due to improper absorption of cerebrospinal fluid filling the space inside the cranium. The causes of the disease are diverse, because it is characteristic of both infants and the elderly. And at any age, it is not worth starting the treatment by gravity, since hydrocephalus is a rather dangerous disease.
Hydrocephalus can progress both in open form and in closed form. Accordingly, patient complaints are different depending on its type. One form of the disease is externally replacement hydrocephalus. The defining signs of this type of disease are a decrease in brain volume , and the missing space previously occupied by brain cells is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Unlike other forms of hydrocephalus, this disease may not manifest itself at all for years, because the volume of the brain is compensated by the indicated liquid. Therefore, this disease does not lead to an increase in blood pressure and headaches.
Most often, externally replacement hydrocephalus is diagnosed in elderly people suffering from high blood pressure or suffering from atherosclerosis. In addition, such a disease can occur as a result of excessive drinking or as a result of a concussion.
The main method used by experts to establish an accurate diagnosis of “replacement hydrocephalus” is magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, and regardless of the intensity of the development of the disease, MRI will have to be done at least once every six months.
Outwardly replacement hydrocephalus may be permanent, or it may be progressive. In the event that the increase in the replaced area does not occur, that is, the volume of the brain does not decrease, and the patient is not bothered by this ailment, treatment may not be performed. Just a periodic examination and observation by your doctor will be enough. If during an MRI it is found that external replacement hydrocephalus is progressing, treatment should be started immediately. Otherwise, such a disease can threaten the patient's life.
There are several treatments for hydrocephalus. The type of getting rid of the disease directly depends on the age of the patient and the type of disease itself. For example, the use of diacarb is quite common. This drug, which is a strong diuretic, normalizes the central nervous system and controls the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. It is prescribed for patients of any age, starting from birth. Several courses of such treatment can completely get rid of the disease or relieve its acute course.
If diacarb does not relieve swelling, the doctor may resort to a puncture of the brain to ensure the outflow of excess accumulated fluid.
In the event that the use of drugs does not have a positive effect on the dynamics of the disease, the question arises of the need for surgical intervention. The surgical way to get rid of such an ailment as externally replacement hydrocephalus is called bypass surgery. Another surgical method in the treatment of hydrocephalus, which is considered more effective than bypass surgery, is endoscopy.
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your brain is affected by this disease, consult a doctor immediately, since any type of hydrocephalus can lead to irreversible consequences, and there is a high probability of remaining disabled for life.