Cost of Hydrocephalus in India

This is an accumulation of fluid deep within the cavities (ventricles) of the brain, which increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But too much cerebrospinal fluid creates pressure, which can damage brain tissue and cause a range of impairments in brain functions.

May include: Infants:

Abnormally large head

Rapid increase in size of head

Tense bulge (fontanel) on top of head

Vomiting

Sleepiness

Irritability

Poor feeding

Seizures

Eyes fixed downward

Deficits in muscle tone and strength

Poor growth Older children:

Headache

Blurred or double vision

Eyes fixed downward

Abnormal enlargement of a toddler’s head

Sleepiness or lethargy

Nausea or vomiting

Unstable balance

Poor coordination

Poor appetite

Seizures

Urinary incontinence

Irritability

Change in personality

Decline in school performance

Delays or problems with previously acquired skills, such as walking or talking Adults up to the middle age:

Headache

Lethargy

Loss of coordination or balance

Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate

Impaired vision

Decline in memory, concentration and other thinking skills Old people:

Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate

Memory loss

Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills

Difficulty walking

Poor coordination or balance

Imbalance between amount of cerebrospinal fluid produced and absorbed in to the brain stream.

May be asked for:

• General physical test
• Neurological exam
• Ultrasound
• MRI scan
• CT scan

Shunt: Most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. Consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve which keeps fluid flowing from the brain in the right direction and at the right rate. This tube is placed in the accumulation and under the skin into a part of the body where it can be more easily absorbed. Will be needed for the rest of the patient’s life.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy: This is A surgical procedure that can be used in some cases. With an endoscope, a hole is made in the bottom of one of the ventricles and excess fluid is allowed to flow out of the brain. Some people, particularly children, may need additional treatment depending on the long term severity of hydrocephalus.

A care team may include:  Pediatrician  Physiatrist  Pediatric neurologist  Occupational therapist  Developmental therapist  Mental health provider  Social worker  Special education teacher