How to Treat Post Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, or "water on the brain," is a medical term used to describe a condition when ventricles in the brain fill with too much fluid. The brain is supposed to have a certain amount of fluid, but when it has too much, the resulting undue pressure can severely inhibit blood flow and brain function. There are two types of hydrocephalus, congenital and acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus occurs at birth and can be the result of a birth defect, for example. Acquired hydrocephalus can happen after an injury to the brain. Post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus is most closely related to acquired hydrocephalus as the term describes the fluid build up in the brain both after an injury and subsequent bleeding from that injury. Symptoms which could result are headache, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. There is no known cure for hydrocephalus, but if you want to treat post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, be sure to keep some following tips in mind.

Instructions

• 1

  Get your medical history. Ask relatives about whether or not you may have a family history of congenital or acquired hydrocephalus. Although post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus is not considered a hereditary illness, you should tell your doctor about any adverse medical conditions you may suffer from. Medical professionals will need to know about your prior history in order to properly diagnose you later. Know that other conditions like Spina Bifida and Meningitis may be associated with congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, as well.

• 2

  Get diagnosed as early as possible. Post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus can be life-threatening and get progressively worse, so get examined by a doctor or neurosurgeon as soon possible. A neurologist will, in all likelihood, perform any of the following tests: computed tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), isotopic cisternography or lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Scans will determine if the brain ventricles are enlarged while the other tests will determine if surgery will be necessary to treat hemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

• 3

  Talk about medication. Some instances of post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus may be treated with medications like acetazolaminde or furosemide to reduce the pressure that excess brain fluid has on the brain. This type of treatment help relieve pressure caused by excess fluid and promote fluid balance in the brain.

• 4

  Ask if endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or shunts can be used to treat post hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. These are two surgical procedures that can divert or even drain excess fluid from problem areas. These surgeries sometimes have serious aftereffects, so it is a good idea to address this concern with your doctor before electing surgery.