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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 the United Arab Emirates

Research, international collaboration, and strong rehabilitative support further improve the treatment outcome and have established the UAE as a premium destination for hydrocephalus management. Pediatric neurology units guarantee that interventions remain safe and specialised for age. The country made significant strides in early diagnosis through newborn screening programs, creating more awareness among the general public. Training modules for neurosurgeons are constantly being developed to meet global standards. There is a rapid increase in the use of AI for imaging and surgical planning.

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 4500 - USD 13000Explore 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 10000 - USD 20000Explore 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 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 United Arab Emirates

NMC Specialty Hospital - Al Ain: Top Doctors, and Reviews
NMC Specialty Hospital - Al Ain

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

NMC Specialty Hospital - Al Ain located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity for more than 82 beds
  • 7 Intensive Care beds
  • 13 Nursery beds
  • A well-equipped laboratory where tests are carried out by a centralized computerized system
  • The hospital has tied up with Biomnis, France for rare investigations and tests not available locally
  • Radiology Department with cutting-edge technology- a patient friendly open MRI (1.0 tesla), 64-Slice Spiral CT Scanner, 4-D Ultrasound with Color Doppler, Bone Densitometry, Mammogram, and Digital X-Ray systems backed by a fully integrated PACS system
  • 24-hour Emergency Clinic
  • 24-hour Ambulance Services
  • 24-hour New Medical Center Pharmacy
  • 100+ Doctors
  • 350+ paramedical personnel and nursing staff
Medeor 24X7 Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medeor 24X7 Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Medeor 24X7 Hospital located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Radiology Department- fully equipped and offers advanced diagnostic imaging technologies such as the 1.5 tesla MRI, high end 160 CT Scan and dual detector X ray
  • 24*7 Emergency Services
Canadian Specialist Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Canadian Specialist Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Canadian Specialist Hospital located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • A multispecialty hospital which is based in 7 stories of a building.
  • More than 30 specialised centres
  • It has over 35 specialties and 40 plus OPD clinics with 200 beds
  • 6 Operating Theatres as well as ICU, CCU, HDU, NICU
  • The most advanced lab & Imaging services
  • International patient care services
  • Option for Telemedicine to connect with the specialists

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Hydrocephalus Treatment?

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

  • Advanced Treatment Facilities: Arab hospitals are implementing new treatment modalities such as plasma exchange and stem cells.
  • Expert Neurology Specialists: The United Arab Emirates houses some excellent pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists who manage hydrocephalus.
  • Affordable Medical Care: Treatment costs in the United Arab Emirates are lower than those in Western countries, making quality care affordable.
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: The hospitals offer specialised neurorehabilitation, including robotic-assisted and physical therapy.
  • Strong Medical Travel Environment: This assists with visa arrangements, accommodation, and multilingual medical services for international patients.

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.

Arab 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.