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External hydrocephalus

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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External hydrocephalus is a separate nosological form or complication of various pathologies of the brain, such as a tumor, trauma, stroke, infectious diseases, etc.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Causes of the external hydrocephalus

External hydrocephalus in adults is the result of a worsening of the resorption of the cerebro-spinal fluid, as a result of which there is a stretching of the cerebral ventricles. Such pathology can be the result of brain concussion, surgical intervention on the brain, stroke, tumors or infectious pathologies. This form of the disease in most cases affects people of advanced age, requires monitoring and control of the doctor and compulsory treatment.

trusted-source[10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]

Symptoms of the external hydrocephalus

This disease is characterized by an active process of excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is caused by a violation of its circulation, absorption or production. The main manifestations of the disease are an increase in the ventricles of the brain, a decrease in the density of the brain substance as a result of its impregnation with the cerebro-spinal fluid, and the narrowing of the subarachnoid spaces.

External hydrocephalus of the brain has the following symptoms: nausea and vomiting, the patient constantly wants to sleep, there are painful migraine attacks, signs of brain dislocation.

External replacement hydrocephalus arises as a result of disruption of the central nervous system, which occurs due to improper resorption of the cerebro-spinal fluid found in the intracranial box. External replacement hydrocephalus can develop in young children and in older people.

The main characteristic of this pathology is a decrease in brain volume and filling of the remaining space with cerebro-spinal fluid, which causes an increase in blood pressure and headaches. Such a disease as an external replacement hydrocephalus of the brain from other forms is different in that it can not manifest itself for a long time. In elderly people, this disease can occur against a background of high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, as well as brain concussion and alcohol abuse.

Moderate external hydrocephalus has such symptoms as rolling the eyes, urinating incontinence, migraine attacks, nausea, vomiting, bifurcation in the eyes, the patient feels constant fatigue, a tendency to sleep, there is also a violation of gait and coordination of movements. Such a diagnosis can be made only by a specialist based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging (no more than once in six months). If such a pathology is found, the patient needs treatment, which is prescribed by a neurosurgeon.

trusted-source[20], [21], [22], [23]

Forms

External hydrocephalus and its types:

  • congenital - this form arises from intrauterine lesions or the development of vices;
  • acquired - is a consequence of craniocerebral injuries, as well as processes of an inflammatory nature.

trusted-source[24], [25], [26]

Who to contact?

Treatment of the external hydrocephalus

Treatment of such a disease as moderately expressed external hydrocephalus is aimed at normalizing intracranial pressure with puncture or medications. In addition, the treating doctor can be assigned a set of special restorative exercises, salt-coniferous baths, anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing the level of fluid intake.

From medicines, long-term administration of diacarb in combination with potassium preparations is possible. In the complex treatment can also be used methods of manual therapy.

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