What You Should Know about Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Hydrocephalus is a common health complication involving the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid inside the deep cavities of the brain. It is a serious complication that requires expertise to manage. Medical professionals like the Hydrocephalus Oxnard specialists are well equipped to help patients in such a delicate situation and avoid serious impairments. Remember that the cerebrospinal fluid is responsible for critical functions like bringing nutrients to your brain, protecting the spinal cord and brain, regulating pressure changes, and ferrying waste products from your brain. When the fluid is in excess, all these functions might not happen to cause devastating symptoms. Here is more about the symptoms associated with the condition.

Symptoms Vary

The symptoms of hydrocephalus differ from one patient to another, depending on several factors. Age of onset is the major factor that causes a variance in the signs of the condition. Here is how common hydrocephalus symptoms vary across different age groups.

Common Hydrocephalus Signs in Infants

Infants with hydrocephalus will portray several signs and symptoms like changes in the head. The head becomes unusually large; it can rapidly increase or develop a tight soft, or bulging spot on the top. Additionally, infants with hydrocephalus can develop other physical symptoms, including seizures, irritability, nausea and vomiting, sleepiness and sluggishness, poor eating, problems with muscle strength and tone, and eyes fixed downwards.

Hydrocephalus Symptoms in Toddlers and Older Children

Toddlers and older children with hydrocephalus experience some physical symptoms and signs such as headache, double or blurred vision, sleepiness, sluggishness, nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movement, and abnormal head enlargement, especially for toddlers. Also, they can develop a poor appetite, poor coordination, precarious balance, frequent urination, and loss of bladder control. Hydrocephalus can also cause behavioral and cognitive changes in toddlers and children, including changes in personality, irritability, delays, or issues with previously acquired skills like talking or walking.

Hydrocephalus Symptoms in Young Adults

The most common hydrocephalus signs in young and middle-aged adults include sluggishness, headache, loss of balance and coordination, vision complications, and frequent urination or loss of bladder control. Additionally, patients encounter declined memory concentration problems and issues with thinking skills which can affect their performance.

Hydrocephalus symptoms in Older Adults

Older adults of 60 years or above with hydrocephalus experience memory loss, frequent urination, loss of bladder control, and poor balance or coordination. Also, older adult patients have progressive loss of reasoning and thinking skills. Additionally, they often experience problems walking as a feeling of being stuck or shuffling gait.

Severe Symptoms

Any symptom of hydrocephalus should be taken seriously, but you should seek emergency care for others. If your infant or toddler has a high-pitched cry, experiences seizures, has recurrent and unexplained vomiting, or has problems with sucking or feeding, please get in touch with emergency care. Any sign should prompt you to see your doctor immediately for another age group as many health complications can be blamed for hydrocephalus. Therefore, the earlier you get an accurate diagnosis, the better.

Although most hydrocephalus symptoms are similar to other health complications, please do not assume you know or wait for the symptoms to go away. Remember that getting a timely and accurate diagnosis and care is necessary.

Get in touch with the hydrocephalus specialists at Link Neuroscience Institute if you have suspicious symptoms or notice such signs in your infant or toddler. Make a call or book your appointment online for help.