Hydrocephalus services offered in Flowood, MS
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of excess fluid on the brain. If you or a loved one has symptoms of hydrocephalus, experienced neurosurgeon Adam Lewis, MD, and his team offer prompt, expert diagnosis and treatment at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic in Flowood, Mississippi. Hydrocephalus can be fatal unless treated, but with expert care, patients can live safe, healthy lives. Call Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today or book an appointment online for cutting-edge hydrocephalus treatment.
Hydrocephalus Q & A
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus develops when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collects in the brain. CSF flows between the spinal cord and brain. The increased fluid levels put pressure on the skull. Several things can increase CSF levels, like a blockage preventing the flow of fluid. Sometimes the brain overproduces CSF, or the blood vessels can’t absorb it properly.
Excessive CSF levels cause brain swelling and tissue damage. Hydrocephalus requires immediate treatment to prevent mental and developmental disabilities. Untreated hydrocephalus can be fatal because it damages the brain stem, regulating your heartbeat and breathing.
What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus has different effects depending on the patient’s age:
Infants
If your baby has hydrocephalus, their head may be large. Or you might notice their head getting bigger, often rapidly. Some infants develop a bulging fontanel (the soft spot at the top of a baby’s head).
Toddlers and children
Hydrocephalus symptoms also include an unusually large head in toddlers and older children. Other signs of hydrocephalus include vomiting, lethargy (lack of energy), and sleepiness.
Adults over 60
Adults with hydrocephalus might experience:
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Frequent urination
- Loss of reasoning skills
- Difficulty walking
- Poor balance
While having hydrocephalus sounds like an alarming prospect, Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic offers expert, life-saving treatments.
How is hydrocephalus diagnosed and treated?
Hydrocephalus diagnostics and treatments available at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic include:
Lumbar infusion test
For a lumbar infusion test, your doctor inserts a needle into your spine. They inject fluid to measure the CSF pressure. The doctor can fit a device called a shunt to relieve the pressure if it’s too high.
Lumbar puncture
During a lumbar puncture, your surgeon drains CSF from the base of your spine. This drainage might improve mental functioning and help you walk better. If it does, your surgeon can fit a permanent shunt to drain excess CSF.
Ventriculostomy
Your surgeon makes a hole in one of the four ventricles in your brain. The ventricles are spaces that produce and store CSF. A ventriculostomy guides CSF to the base of your brain for better absorption.
Shunt and catheter
Your surgeon can fit a shunt to drain the excess CSF. The fluid passes through a catheter (slender tube) into your abdomen, heart, or chest cavity. People with hydrocephalus often have a permanent shunt system to manage the excess CSF. Children with a shunt will need further surgeries as they grow.
Call Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today or book an appointment online to receive a prompt diagnosis and life-saving hydrocephalus treatment.
