What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus and brain herniation?

Hydrocephalus and brain herniation may cause symptoms such as confusion, severe headache, vomiting, and visual impairment. This is a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. Hydrocephalus is caused by increased intracranial pressure due to impaired circulation or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, while brain herniation is the displacement of brain tissue caused by a sharp increase in intracranial pressure. Both can be life-threatening. Timely diagnosis and treatment are key.

1) Symptoms and causes of hydrocephalus

The main symptoms of hydrocephalus include gradually worsening headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, unsteady gait, and decreased cognitive function. In young children, abnormal enlargement of the head and bulging of the skylight may also occur. The formation of hydrocephalus may be related to the following factors:

-Genetic factors: such as congenital aqueductal stenosis, which affects the normal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.

-Trauma or infection: Cranial surgery, meningitis and other diseases may cause cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders.

- Space-occupying lesions such as tumors: For example, brain tumors block the cerebrospinal fluid pathways and induce hydrocephalus.

Treatments include:

- Cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery: such as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which helps cerebrospinal fluid drain into a body cavity by inserting a catheter.

-Endoscopic third ventriculostomy: Use endoscope to open the interventricular pathway to allow normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

-Medication relief: such as diuretics, provides short-term relief from stress but is not a long-term solution.

2) Symptoms and emergency treatment of brain herniation

Brain herniation is a more serious and critical condition, with symptoms such as:

-Changes in level of consciousness: such as mental dullness, coma or even respiratory arrest.

-Cranial nerve compression: Unilateral dilated pupil and loss of light reflex may be typical signs of transtentorial herniation.

- Limb paralysis: manifested as decreased muscle tone or weakness of one limb.

Brain herniation usually results from a sudden increase in pressure within the skull, including:

-Severe hydrocephalus continues to worsen.

-Mass effect caused by intracranial tumor or traumatic hemorrhage.

Timely treatment of brain herniation requires the following means:

-Reduce intracranial pressure: intravenous injection of hypertonic saline, mannitol and other drugs.

-Surgical decompression: such as craniotomy to directly relieve intracranial pressure.

-Tracheal intubation and assisted breathing: to ensure respiratory function for critically ill patients.

Hydrocephalus and brain herniation are both serious intracranial diseases. If you find related symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately and choose appropriate treatment. Staying vigilant and monitoring the progress of the disease as prescribed by the doctor will help improve prognosis and quality of life.