What is the difference between congenital and acquired hydrocephalus?

The main difference between congenital and acquired hydrocephalus lies in the cause and time of occurrence. Congenital hydrocephalus is usually related to abnormal embryonic development or genetic factors and appears at birth, while acquired hydrocephalus is more common in acquired factors such as trauma, infection, and tumors. Regardless of the type, early diagnosis and targeted treatment are required.

1. Causes of congenital hydrocephalus

Congenital hydrocephalus refers to the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation due to abnormal development of the central nervous system during the fetal or neonatal stage, which leads to ventricular dilation. The main causes include the following:

Genetic factors: Chromosomal abnormalities such as X-linked hereditary hydrocephalus may lead to malabsorption or restricted excretion of cerebrospinal fluid during the embryonic stage.

Abnormal fetal development: Fetal neural tube insufficiency, such as spina bifida or Arnold-Chiari malformation, can cause hydrocephalus.

Infectious factors: Maternal infections during pregnancy such as rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis may interfere with the normal development of the fetal brain.

Treatment recommendations: Early diagnosis is key. Prenatal ultrasound examinations can detect fetal hydrocephalus early. The following treatments can be used after birth:

Shunt surgery: A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is placed to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen.

Neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy: restoring cerebrospinal fluid flow through a minimally invasive technique.

Medication: Medications that lower brain pressure are sometimes used as an additional intervention.

2. Causes of acquired hydrocephalus

Acquired hydrocephalus is caused by acquired factors that lead to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation or absorption disorders. It often occurs in children, adolescents or adults. Its main causes include:

Infectious diseases: such as meningitis and encephalitis can cause post-inflammatory adhesions, hindering the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid.

Traumatic brain injury: A blow or injury to the head may cause structural changes in brain tissue and lead to fluid accumulation.

Tumor compression: The presence of intracranial tumors may compress and block the cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathway.

Treatment recommendations: The treatment of acquired hydrocephalus should be targeted at the specific cause:

Decompression of intracranial hypertension: If it is caused by head trauma, emergency surgery can be performed to relieve the pressure.

Tumor resection surgery: If hydrocephalus is caused by a tumor, the space-occupying lesion should be removed.

Antibiotic or antiviral treatment: Inflammatory hydrocephalus requires removal of the source of infection, and surgery may be required to release adhesions to restore access.

3. Diagnosis and care

Whether it is congenital or acquired hydrocephalus, typical symptoms include abnormally increased head circumference in infants, headache, vomiting, blurred vision or epilepsy. Timely cranial CT, MRI or cerebrospinal fluid examination can confirm the diagnosis, and early treatment can prevent complications and irreversible damage. Pay attention to monitoring the increase in head circumference in infants and young children and changes in central nervous system function in adults, and follow the doctor's advice for reexamination and rehabilitation management.

Although congenital and acquired hydrocephalus have different causes, both may seriously affect the patient's normal life. If suspicious symptoms are found, you should go to a regular hospital for examination as soon as possible, and adopt an individualized treatment plan after the cause is determined. Seizing the opportunity for intervention can effectively reduce the long-term impact of the disease on health.