Hydrocephalus in adults

Hydrocephalus in adults, often called the "dropsy" of the brain, is associated with the accumulation of fluid in its membranes. Naturally, such a violation causes a number of dangerous consequences, including mental disorders, as well as changes in gait and loss of control over certain natural processes.

It is accepted to distinguish several forms of the disease. For example, external hydrocephalus in adults is characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid directly under the membrane, thus compressing the brain tissue. While the internal one observes the accumulation of fluid already inside the brain, which causes stretching of the tissues. There is also mixed hydrocephalus in adults, in which liquid accumulates both inside and in the shells.

Internal hydrocephalus in adults: the course of the disease and the main symptoms

As already mentioned, with this form of disease, the cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the brain - in the cavities of the ventricles. The constant increase in the volume of the liquid stretches the tissues, causing disturbances in the work of the whole organism.

The first symptom of hydrocephalus is a change in gait. It is this symptom that appears most early, a few days after the onset of the illness, while other signals may appear only after a few months. At first the gait of the sick person becomes uncertain and very slow. As the disease develops, a person's condition worsens. Sometimes he just can not make a step, while traversing in one place. Hand movements are also difficult. With the further progression of hydrocephalus, a person begins to lose the sense of balance - he constantly wobbles, sometimes even falls. The more severe forms of the disease are characterized by the loss of the ability to walk independently, sit or even lift parts of the body.

Hydrocephalus in adults also causes severe mental disorders. Such people are greatly dulled by emotional reactions, they fall into apathy, lose the sense of time and reality. In the future, there may be convulsions, hallucinations.

Even at the beginning of the development of the disease, patients can feel very frequent urge to urinate, but just do not pay attention to them. With further progression, incontinence is observed in patients.

It is the violation of the psyche, incontinence and violation of the walking process - this is an unchanging triad that accompanies this disease.

Hydrocephalus in adults: methods of diagnosis

As a rule, the presence of the aforementioned triad of symptoms causes suspicion in the doctor. The patient, in addition to sending for general tests, is sent to MRI and CT of the brain. The results of the studies indicate the presence of extensions in almost all branches of the brain.

Nevertheless, the most reliable method of diagnosis is the so-called ICP monitoring. This procedure is carried out during the day, which allows to judge the presence and severity of the disease. Monitoring is performed with the help of special intraventricular sensors and only under the supervision of an experienced neurosurgeon.

Treatment of hydrocephalus in adults

Practically in any case, in order to alleviate the patient's condition and stop further progression of the symptoms, surgical correction methods are used. During the operation, the surgeon applies a shunt in the right parts of the brain, with the help of which the removal of excess fluid from the membranes and cavities is carried out.

In addition, some methods of conservative medicine are also used. In particular, patients with this diagnosis are prescribed special medications, the effect of which is aimed at stopping the formation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid.