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What is Hydrocephalus?

Excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles is known as hydrocephalus. This extra fluid enlarges the ventricles, putting dangerous pressure on the brain's tissues. Although hydrocephalus cannot be cured now, it can be managed.

What are the Common Symptoms of Hydrocephalus?

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lethargy, which is a state of sluggishness or sleepiness
  • Anger
  • Unhealthy eating
  • Fits
  • Sunsetting of the eyes, which is the term for eyes that are fixed downward
  • Issues with strength and muscular tone
  • Headache
  • Double or blurred vision
  • The eyes move in unusual ways
  • A toddler's head enlargement
  • Sluggishness or sleepiness
  • Feeling sick or throwing up
  • A problem with equilibrium
  • A lack of coordination
  • A weak appetite
  • Frequent urination or loss of bladder control.
  • A headache
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Frequent urination or loss of bladder control
  • Issues with vision
  • Reduction in memory, focus, and other cognitive abilities

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Hydrocephalus

Causes

  • Congenital (birth defects)
  • Neural tube defects (spina bifida)
  • Infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
  • Brain tumours
  • Head injury
  • Brain haemorrhage (especially in premature babies)
  • Cysts or lesions

Risk Factors

  • Premature birth
  • Infections during pregnancy
  • Family history
  • Brain or spinal cord abnormalities
  • Head trauma
  • Central nervous system infections

Complications

  • Brain damage
  • Developmental delays
  • Physical disabilities
  • Learning difficulties
  • Vision problems
  • Memory loss
  • Poor coordination
  • Seizures

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Malaysia

In Malaysia, much advancement has been made in managing hydrocephalus using contemporary surgical techniques and technology. The old standby, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, continues to gain ground because its alternative endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is now preferred for non-shunt treatment. ETV would allow for avoiding shunt dependency by constructing an internal diversion for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Also, smart shunts are now developing and are capable of real-time monitoring of intracranial pressure and blockage detection to enhance patient management. Research is also underway on pharmacological agents that would alter CSF dynamics to eliminate the need for surgery.

Hydrocephalus Prevention Tips

It is impossible to keep your child from developing hydrocephalus. But if you intend to have further children, your baby's doctor might recommend genetic counselling. You can find out about your chance of developing this issue in subsequent pregnancies through counselling. To screen for hydrocephalus during pregnancy, you might additionally require testing.

Treatment options for Hydrocephalus

VP Shunt: A brain shunt used to treat hydrocephalus is called a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The shunt eliminates the extra cerebrospinal fluid. Untreated hydrocephalus in children can cause a variety of negative consequences, such as increased irritability, persistent headaches, learning challenges, visual abnormalities, and in more severe cases, severe mental retardation. The indications of VP shunts are discussed in this review, along with the importance of the interprofessional team in managing these patients.


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Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: An alternative surgical technique that does not require a shunt is endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which establishes a bypass for the cerebrospinal fluid in the head. Only those who have hydrocephalus—a condition in which the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is blocked—benefit from it. Endoscopic refers to a surgical procedure that is carried out using an endoscope. An endoscope is a slender tube with an intense light, a strong magnifying lens, and an opening through which tiny instruments are passed.


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Neurological examination: The type of neurological examination is determined by the patient's age. A medical expert may ask questions and administer basic tests to assess a patient's muscular condition, movement, overall health, and sensory capacities.

Imaging Studies: Hydrocephalus can be diagnosed with the aid of imaging testing. They are also able to identify the root causes of symptoms. Among the imaging examinations are ultrasounds. Because it is a straightforward, low-risk technique, this test is frequently the first one given to neonates. The soft spot on the baby's head is where the ultrasound instrument is positioned. Hydrocephalus may also be discovered by ultrasound during standard prenatal examinations. There is a slight radiation risk associated with CT technology. Hydrocephalus CT scans are typically reserved for emergency examinations.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

  • After shunt surgery, physical therapy (PT) is the most popular type of treatment. Physical therapy assists people in regaining their standing and walking abilities. Regaining strength, balance, endurance, and a more normal gait are all things that physical therapy can help the patient recover.
  • Occupational therapy (ot) may be recommended to help people with hydrocephalus with daily tasks like dressing, taking their medications, and cooking. OT often aims to allow the patient to live independently. Occupational therapists can also help with cognitive activities and memory techniques.
  • Patients who have suffered from cognitive impairment may benefit from cognitive therapy, for instance, for executive function issues, memory loss, or difficulties multitasking. Cognitive therapy incorporates exercises completed during office visits with homework assignments to improve short-term memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.

They are diuretics that also reduce CSF secretion at the choroid plexus level. ACZ can be utilised by itself or in combination with FUR.

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Hospitals for Hydrocephalus in Malaysia

Sunway Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sunway Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sunway Medical Centre has initiated a comprehensive expansion plan close to its current hospital facility to enhance its ability to provide services to the global market. The new Cancer Radiosurgery Center and Nuclear Medicine Center, which will also house additional Centers of Excellence like the Digestive Health Center and Dialysis Center, marked the completion of Tower C's first phase in October 2016.

Ara Damansara Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Ara Damansara Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Situated at the junction of Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, close to the Oasis Ara, Ara Damansara Medical Centre boasts a serene, luxurious ambiance.

The Centre has been awarded several prestigious awards such as the Global Health Asia Pacific Awards 2023, Newsweek Best Specialized Hospital APAC 2023, Healthcare Asia Awards 2023, and Malaysian Healthcare Wellness Excellence.

Prince Court Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Prince Court Medical Centre

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Prince Court is a private medical facility in the center of Kuala Lumpur that has 277 individual beds. Our dedication is to provide you with the best treatment possible from the time you arrive until you depart, healthier and happier. We are well-known for our top-notch facilities, cutting-edge technology, and friendly customer service.

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Why Choose Malaysia for Hydrocephalus Treatment?

  • Most Advanced Medical Centres have high-end machines and state-of-the-art technologies to deliver professional treatment services.
  • World-Class Transplant Programs: High-volume hospitals are known to perform state-of-the-art, advanced kidney transplants with high success rates.
  • Affordable Treatment: The care related to aplastic anemia in Malaysia is far less expensive than in other countries.
  • Internationally Trained Doctors: Experts deliver personalised care with the latest medical advancements at their fingertips.
  • Inclusive Assistance for Patients: Hospitals also offer Accommodation and Translation Assistance after Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, hydrocephalus can be treated using VP and endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedures. However, some patients may require a long recovery time and rehabilitation.

Malaysian hospitals use the latest technologies and experienced neurosurgeons for safe procedures.

Yes, several hospitals are providing excellent medical services to international patients.

Yes, well-established pediatric neurosurgery units treat babies and children suffering from Hydrocephalus.

You need to check them to determine if they have any problems walking, if they have trouble holding their urine, and if they have just started walking and have memory problems.

Untreated symptoms can develop over time and have a substantial adverse influence on a patient's quality of life, including increasing difficulties walking, cognitive issues, difficulty with complicated tasks, urinary incontinence, and mood swings;

The most likely course of treatment for them with hydrocephalus is surgery to install a shunt to prevent fluid accumulation inside their brain. To assist in avoiding any problems, you will usually need to do the following if they have a shunt:

  • Adhere to your doctor's instructions after surgery. You should pay particular attention to areas of skin that have been stitched or stapled. Adequately caring for these regions can prevent infections and other problems.
  • Steer clear of magnets if you can. This is not a need for all shunts because not all shunts use magnetically adjustable valves. If this is the situation for your parents, you can find out from your healthcare professional.
  • Exercise caution when moving and doing things. Ensure your parents refrain from physical activity that can cause the shunt, inflow and outflow catheters, etc., to lose or harm them.
  • Consult your provider as advised. Follow-up visits are crucial to help prevent problems from this illness. Through these appointments, your provider can monitor your parents' health and, if needed, modify their shunt.
  • Be mindful of the symptoms. Inform your healthcare physician right away if you observe your parents exhibiting a recurrence of a hydrocephalus symptom. Recurring symptoms may be a sign of a shunt issue. The longer the symptoms continue and grow, the more likely they are to have complications.

  • A full or bulging soft spot on top of your baby's head (fontanel)
  • Bulging eyes and inability to look up when facing forward
  • Visible scalp veins
  • Irritability
  • A baby with hydrocephalus has extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain, and its head may appear larger than usual.
  • A healthcare professional may diagnose this condition during a pregnancy ultrasound.

Malaysia has become well-known for second medical opinions: expert specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostic resources, and most of all, low cost. Efficient international patient services have very short waiting times. Medigence provides this service worldwide. To know more, visit our website.