Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus Treatment In India

Hydrocephalus refers to the buildup of fluid in the cavities of the skull which leads to the swelling of the brain. This causes brain damage due to increase in the pressure on the brain resulting in physical, developmental and intellectual impairment of the affected person. This condition can be fatal if timely treatment is not provided.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary with age due to the difference in their tolerance levels to the condition. They also change with the progression of the disease.

In babies born with hydrocephalus (congenital hydrocephalus), the physical features include:

• Unusually large head size
• Thin scalp with visible veins
• Downward looking eyes
• A bulging fontanel, i.e. a soft spot on the top of the baby’s head

Additionally, the child will have difficulty with feeding, vomiting, muscle stiffness or spasms in the lower limbs and difficulty with sleep.

In children who have acquired hydrocephalus after birth or in adults, the symptoms may include:

• Headache that worsens after getting up in the morning
• Blurring of vision
• Difficulty to walk
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Sleepiness which can progress to coma
• Inability to control the bladder or sometimes bowel movements