Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles and subarachnoid spaces. Our clinic in Israel utilizes modern diagnostic and treatment methods for hydrocephalus, which allows for the most favorable prognosis regarding the disease.
Causes
Hydrocephalus can be a congenital condition or a consequence of previous diseases that led to increased secretion of cerebrospinal fluid. The localization and causes of the disease determine the various types of hydrocephalus. Internal hydrocephalus is characterized by the enlargement of the brain ventricles, while external hydrocephalus involves the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid areas. Due to the closure of the Sylvian aqueduct or the foramina of Magendie and Luschka, the fluid may not reach the sites of absorption. Insufficient or improper development of the subarachnoid spaces, as well as inflammatory processes, can also lead to inadequate absorption of cerebrospinal fluid.
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
Congenital hydrocephalus is extremely rare. The most common cause of its occurrence in children is birth trauma. In this case, during the first six months of life, disproportionate head growth relative to chest size becomes noticeable. The head subsequently takes on the appearance of an inverted pear, the facial area looks extremely small, and the veins of the head are dilated. With significant pressure on the brain from the cerebrospinal fluid, the patient may experience headaches, increased muscle tone, and seizures. Children diagnosed with hydrocephalus noticeably lag in mental development.
Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus in Israel
The diagnostic methods practiced in Israel allow for the resolution of three primary tasks: to establish the presence of hydrocephalus, to determine the cause, i.e., the disease that led to the development of hydrocephalus, and to identify the pathogenesis. Early diagnosis of the disease is quite challenging, as only general symptoms predominate during this period: developmental delay, decreased appetite, nausea. To obtain the necessary information, pneumoencephalography and X-rays are used.
Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Israel
In Israel, both conservative treatment and surgical intervention are employed. In treatment, priority is given to therapy for the underlying disease that caused the development of hydrocephalus. In surgical intervention for newborns, pathways for cerebrospinal fluid drainage from the skull are created. Surgical treatment of hydrocephalus in adults involves the removal of tumors and adhesions.