Hydrocephalus Treatment in Singapore
- Top Accredited Hospitals
- Global Medical Standards
- Cutting-Edge Technology
- Proven Treatment Options
- High Success Rate
- Trusted by Millions
What is Hydrocephalus?
Excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles is known as hydrocephalus. Ventricles enlarge due to this extra fluid, which puts dangerous pressure on your brain's tissues. Although hydrocephalus cannot be cured at present, it can be effectively 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
Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response
Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Singapore
Adjustments in the treatment of hydrocephalus today include the use of programmable shunts, which allow for non-invasive adjustments to the pressures involved. Moreover, Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly employed as a shunt-free alternative in selected patients. Scientists are developing bioengineered shunts with anti-clogging properties to improve long-term outcomes. Improvements in techniques, such as high-resolution MRI, have potential applications in the early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. AI-assisted neurosurgery helps place shunts in a way that minimises potential complications.
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.
Cost Start From USD 6000 - USD 25000Explore Options
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 performed 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.
Cost Start From USD 10000 - USD 20000Explore Options
Neurological examination: The patient's age determines the type of neurological examination that is performed. 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 and low-risk technique, this test is frequently the first one administered 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 helps individuals regain their ability to stand and walk. Regaining strength, balance, endurance, and a more normal gait are all things that physical therapy can help the patient recover.
- To help individuals with hydrocephalus perform daily tasks such as dressing, taking medications, and cooking, occupational therapy (OT) may be recommended. Often, OT aims to enable 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, along with homework assignments, to improve short-term memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
They are diuretics that also reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion at the level of the choroid plexus. ACZ can be utilised by itself or in combination with FUR.
Instantly Connect with our Specialists
Hospitals for Hydrocephalus in Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
Novena, Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital located in Novena, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Capacity of 333 beds
- Intensive Care Unit beds
- Endoscopy beds
- Day ward with 20 beds
- 13 Operating Theatres, which includes 1 Neurological operating room, 2 Cardiac operating rooms, 4 Orthopaedic operating rooms, etc.
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- 24/7 Accident & Emergency Department
- Maternity ward
- 1 major operating unit with 13 operating rooms inclusive of 1 hybrid theatre
- In-house Pharmacy
- Rooms are categorized as Single Signature Rooms, Junior Suite and Regal Suite
- All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
Parkway East Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Parkway East Hospital located in Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Total capacity for 143 beds
- Hospital rooms are available- Single room, 2-bedded room (8), 4-bedded room (2), Deluxe room, and Orchid/Hibiscus Suite
- All rooms are equipped with all ensuite facilities like Free wifi, mini fridge, sofa couch, telephone, in-room safe, TV, etc.
- Maternity wards- Accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under the World Health Organisations Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
- 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 14 cots
- Intensive Care Unit
- 1 Operation Theatre with 5 Operating rooms
- 1 Nursery with 30 cots
- 1 Parentcraft room
- 24-hour walk-in-clinic (for emergency)
- 24-hour Pharmacy
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Mount Elizabeth Hospital located in Singapore, Singapore is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 345 bedded Hospital
- Maternity wards
- The Mount Elizabeth Patient Assistance Centre (MPAC)
- 1 major operating unit with 12 operating rooms and 1 operating theatre dedicated to in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intensive Care Unit
- High Dependency Unit (HDU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Accident & Emergency Department
- Rooms are categorized as Single rooms, 2-bedded rooms, 4-bedded rooms, Executive deluxe suite, Daffodil/Magnolia suite, VIP Room, and Royal Suite
- All patient rooms are equipped with electric safe, LCD, sofa cum bed, wardrobe, radio channels, and much more
- Parking lot
Our Services to better your experience
Opinion & Option
We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review
Consult Privately
Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel
Logistics
We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.
Recovery
Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome
Why Choose Singapore for Hydrocephalus Treatment?
Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
- World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI-accredited healthcare institutions.
- Compared to other countries, treatment in Singaporean hospitals is cost-effective.
- Singaporean hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system
- Improved treatment methods and biological therapies
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.
Singaporean hospitals utilise the latest technologies and employ experienced neurosurgeons to ensure 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:
- After surgery, adhere to your doctor's instructions. After surgery, you should pay particular attention to areas of skin that have been stitched or stapled. You can prevent infections and other problems by adequately caring for these regions.
- Steer clear of magnets if you can. This is not a requirement for all shunts, as not all shunts utilise 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 could cause the shunt, inflow and outflow catheters, etc., to become dislodged or damaged, thereby harming them.
- Consult your provider as advised. To help prevent problems from this illness, follow-up visits are crucial. 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 persist and worsen, the more likely they are to develop 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 an excess of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain; the baby's head may appear larger than usual.
- A healthcare professional may diagnose this condition during a pregnancy ultrasound.