Hydrocephalus

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus involves a build up of excess fluid within the brain as a result of an obstruction in the brain that prevents proper fluid drainage. This condition is usually present at birth, although it can develop later in life as a result of lesions or tumors within the brain, central nervous system infections or severe head injuries. Babies born prematurely with severe bleeding within the ventricles of the brain are likely to develop hydrocephalus, as well as those with development problems in the womb or certain genetic abnormalities. Hydrocephalus affects approximately one out of every 500 children.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

Patients with hydrocephalus may experience many different symptoms depending on the patient’s age and the progression of the disease.

Infants born with this condition often have an unusually large head that increases in size, and may experience:

  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Seizures
  • Developmental delays

Older children and adults may experience:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Balance problems
  • Memory loss
  • Confusion
  • Urinary incontinence

Each patient may experience a different combination of symptoms depending on their individual condition. It is important to seek medical attention for hydrocephalus to prevent complications such as brain damage and physical disabilities and to help patients live a healthy, normal life.

Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus

In babies, hydrocephalus can often be diagnosed during a normal prenatal ultrasound or after the baby is born and an abnormally large head is noticed. In older children and adults, hydrocephalus is diagnosed through a neurological exam, and CT or MRI imaging tests as symptoms have developed. The risk of hydrocephalus can be reduced by ensuring that women receive proper prenatal care during pregnancy and take precautions to protect themselves against infectious illnesses that can harm their child. Practicing safety guidelines can help prevent serious head injury and also reduce the risk of hydrocephalus.

Treatment and Surgery of Hydrocephalus

Treatment for hydrocephalus usually involves surgery to restore proper fluid drainage within the brain. This may be done by placing a shunt within one of the ventricles of the brain leading to another part of the body where the excess fluid can be easily absorbed, such as in the abdomen or heart chambers. A ventriculostomy may also be performed to create a hole in the bottom of one of the brain’s ventricles, allowing fluid to flow normally.

Variable Pressure Shunting Techniques

A shunt is a device that is implanted into the brain in patients with hydrocephalus in order to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain and into the abdomen, where it can be easily absorbed. While traditionally shunts have used a fixed pressure valve to moderate the flow of CSF out of the brain, variable pressure shunting is often now used to adjust the pressure of the valve for more efficient treatment of hydrocephalus. In order for pressure to be adjusted in fixed pressure valves, revision surgery would be needed to replace the valve. Variable pressure valves are adjusted noninvasively through magnetic field technology. There are several different variable pressure valves available, and your doctor will decide which one is most appropriate for you based on an evaluation of your individual condition. Variable pressure valves allow for a more customized treatment for hydrocephalus and reduce the need for additional procedures. Through a simple and safe implantation procedure, patients can receive effective, long-term drainage of excessive CSF fluid.

At Princeton Neurological Surgery, Dr. Lipani is a board certified fellowship trained neurosurgeon in New Jersey and specialist in the treatment for hydrocephalus. Dr. Lipani treats patients from around the world as well as locally from Princeton, New Brunswick, Hopewell, Pennington and communities throughout Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth, Morris and Mercer Counties for various types of hydrocephalus including normal pressure hydrocephalus, aquaductal stenosis, communicating hydrocephalus, obstructive hydrocephalus and others. Dr. Lipani offers image guided brain surgery and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for hydrocephalus treatment, tailored to the needs of each patient. For state-of-the-art hydrocephalus treatment call or email us to schedule a consultation at our offices in Hamilton, Bridgewater, or Morristown, New Jersey!

Dr. Lipani performs neurosurgeries correcting hydrocephalus in hospitals around New Jersey. Because he has over 15 years of experience, Dr. Lipani knows how to communicate with his patients and ensure they receive the correct neurosurgery option for them.

If you would like more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, feel free to fill out our convenient contact form or call us directly at (609) 890-3400.

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