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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 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 Thailand

The latest procedure used in Thailand is a method that allows more cerebrospinal fluid to flow inside the brain skull without the need for a shunt. It is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. This approach is beneficial, particularly for patients who have hydrocephalus brought on by a CSF blockage.

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 10000 - USD 14000Explore 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 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.


Cost Start From USD 12000 - USD 35000Explore Options


Neurological examination: The patient's age determines the type of neurological examination. 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 will help the patient recover.
  • To help people with hydrocephalus with daily tasks like dressing, taking their medications, and cooking, occupational therapy (OT) may be recommended; often, OT aims to allow the patient to live independently. Occupational therapists can also help with cognitive activity 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 Thailand

Bangkok Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Hospital located in Bangkok, Thailand is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • It is recognised for the application of the newest healthcare technology.
  • Blood analysis center that is not just the best in Thailand but in Asia Pacific as well.
  • Biomolecule center that is the seed of healthcare equipment for Thailand and overseas.
  • International affiliations and collaborations with universities and hospitals in Japan and the United States of America.
  • 11 hospitals are recognised as Centers of Excellence.
  • Known excellence in Trauma, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular, Neurology as well as Cancer Care.
  • There is a proper streamlined patient services process followed in Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • A well developed research center showcases the intent of the organisation to provide research based treatment opportunities to the patients.
  • The group has several Medical industry partnerships as well to ensure healthcare solutions.

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Why Choose Thailand for Paraplegia Treatment?

Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.

  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Thai hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Thai 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.

With skilled neurosurgeons and cutting-edge medical technology, Thailand has demonstrated significant success rates in treating hydrocephalus. The nation's healthcare institutions offer top-notch treatment alternatives, guaranteeing successful outcomes for many patients.

Yes, many Thai hospitals offer the following for neurofibromatosis treatment:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate neurofibroma diagnosis.
  • Skilled neurologist and surgeon for hydrocephalus.
  • Advanced VP Shunt and Endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedures.
  • Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefits.

Always consider the following factors when selecting a Thai hospital:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI and NABH).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In general, regular pressure hydrocephalus treatment has improved significantly in Thailand. The success rate largely depends on how early diagnosis is made. Some patients may completely recover after surgery, while others require rehabilitation with various therapies for recovery.

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, urine 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 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. 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 continue and grow, the more likely they will 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; the baby's head may appear larger than usual.
  • A healthcare professional may diagnose this condition during a pregnancy ultrasound.