3 Common Types Of Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Hydrocephalus symptoms can vary based on the kind of hydrocephalus a patient is diagnosed with. These kinds of hydrocephalous include: congenital, acquired and normal.

Hydrocephalus, which is fluid on the brain, causes a significant number of symptoms but varies depending on the kind of hydrocephalus and the person’s age that is affected.

A Look at Congenital Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Babies born and suffering with hydrocephalus symptoms tend to have very distinctive physical characteristics such as:

1. Abnormally large head

2. Shiny, thin scalp with easy to see veins

3. Bulging or tense fontanelle, which is the soft spot on the top of the head

4. The eyes appear to look down; the setting-sun sign, as it resembles the sun going down the horizon

5. Baby’s lower limb muscles appear stiff and could be subjected to spasms

Besides the physical congenital hydrocephalus symptoms, the other symptoms of it include:

• Drowsiness

• Inadequate feeding

• Irritability

• Sickness

A Look At Acquired Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Acquired hydrocephalus develops in both children and adults and can result in headaches. The headaches tend to be worse in the morning upon waking up because the fluid doesn’t adequately drain when lying down and has built up during the night. Now, your headache might improve if you sit up for a time. However, as acquired hydrocephalus progresses, the headaches will continue. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening. Besides the headache, other hydrocephalus symptoms are:

1. Feeling sick

2. Being sick – usually worse in the morning

3. Drowsiness – can lead to coma

4. Neck pain

5. Altered mental state

6. Problems walking

7. Double vision/blurred vision

8. Inability to control bladder or bowels

A Look At Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Unlike acquired hydrocephalus and congenital hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms tend to show up in older folks, gradually developing over months or years. There are three key hydrocephalus symptoms, affecting how you walk, your mental ability and your urinary system.

1 – Walking

One of the first normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms you’ll see is the chance in the way you walk. It’ll be very difficult to take the first step when you have a desire to begin walking. Some folks have said it feels like they’re stuck in one place. Shuffling is also possible. As it develops, you may be unsteady on your feet, being more prone to fall especially when you turn.

2 – Mental Issues

Another one of the normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms include problems in thinking, as it generally slows down. You’ll notice it in the form of:

• Answering slowly to questions asked

• Reaction time slower to situations

• Slow the process information down

This symptom is often confused with dementia symptoms. You could have mild dementia but when the condition is treated, this symptom will improve.

3 – Urinary Problem

When how you walk changes, not too far behind are problems with your urine and bowel consistency. These symptoms will include the following:

• Increase need to pee

• Crucial need to pee

• Loss of control in bladder and possibly bowels

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