Symptoms of hydrocephalus

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on the severity of the disease. Common manifestations include headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, etc. In severe cases, impaired consciousness or decreased limb function may occur. You should seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The following is a detailed introduction to possible symptoms and coping methods.

1. Mild symptoms: headache, nausea and vomiting

The early symptoms of hydrocephalus are often persistent headaches of unknown cause, especially in the early morning. This is because the hydrocephalus causes increased intracranial pressure. Nausea and vomiting are also common, usually accompanied by headaches.

Recommendation: If you have frequent headaches or nausea, it is recommended to pay more attention to rest and avoid strenuous activities, but more importantly, go to the hospital for detailed examination in time, such as brain imaging CT or MRI.

2. Moderate symptoms: abnormal vision and difficulty concentrating

As the disease progresses, hydrocephalus may compress the visual pathways, causing blurred vision or difficulty focusing the eyes. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as decreased attention, slow reaction, and emotional instability.

Recommendation: If you experience visual or cognitive dysfunction, you should visit a neurology department immediately. The doctor may recommend further examinations and prescribe targeted medications, such as intracranial pressure-lowering drugs such as mannitol or hormone drugs to relieve symptoms.

3. Severe symptoms: impaired consciousness and decreased limb function

Severe hydrocephalus can cause obvious disturbance of consciousness, such as drowsiness, coma, and even life-threatening. Limb function loss may also occur, such as weakness or even paralysis of one side of the limbs.

Recommendation: Emergency treatment is required at this stage. Doctors usually perform ventricular drainage surgery, cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery, or anti-infection treatment such as antibiotics based on the cause. Family members should call the emergency number immediately to send the patient to the hospital.

Patients with similar symptoms should not take it lightly and should intervene early to avoid worsening of the disease. They should pay attention to abnormal physical manifestations on a daily basis, seek medical attention as soon as possible if a problem is found, follow the doctor's advice after a clear diagnosis, and maintain healthy living habits to prevent similar diseases from occurring.