Often referred to as water on the brain, hydrocephalus is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical care. The experienced neurologists at Michigan Neurology Associates & PC, with offices serving the Metro Detroit area in Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores, and Utica, Michigan, are experienced in the management of neurological conditions like hydrocephalus. To schedule an appointment with one of the neurologists today, call the nearest office or use the online booking feature.
Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition in which fluid collects in the ventricles in your brain. While hydrocephalus is often referred to as water on the brain, the fluid that collects isn’t water, but cerebrospinal fluid. The increase in fluid in your brain causes a widening of the ventricles, which are the spaces in the brain, and may lead to excessive brain pressure.
The condition affects both children and adults. Some babies are born with hydrocephalus, which is referred to as congenital hydrocephalus, due to events that occur during fetal development. If you develop hydrocephalus after birth, it’s referred to as acquired hydrocephalus.
The exact cause of hydrocephalus isn’t known, but there may be a genetic mutation that causes the excess fluid to collect in the brain.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on the type of condition and your age.
In infants, symptoms may include:
In adults, symptoms of hydrocephalus include:
While hydrocephalus can develop at any time, it most often occurs in young children and adults over age 60. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, the team at Michigan Neurology Associates & PC can help.
Your neurological specialist at Michigan Neurology Associates & PC conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your symptoms are due to hydrocephalus. In addition to reviewing symptoms and medical history, your specialist also conducts a physical exam and completes diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI.
Michigan Neurology Associates & PC has on-site diagnostic imaging, so you don’t have to go to another facility to get answers to your pressing questions.
Your specialist at Michigan Neurology Associates & PC treats your hydrocephalus with the surgical insertion of a shunt. The shunt helps drain the excess fluid off the brain and into other parts of your body to reduce pressure and symptoms. After shunt placement, your specialist provides ongoing care to monitor your brain health and pressure and ensure the shunt is working properly.
Hydrocephalus is a serious health condition. To learn more about hydrocephalus and how it’s treated, call Michigan Neurology Associates & PC or schedule an appointment online today.
