What does the head CT scan report indicate as hydrocephalus

The head CT examination report suggests that hydrocephalus usually refers to abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system. Hydrocephalus may be caused by factors such as impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation, excessive cerebrospinal fluid secretion, and reduced cerebrospinal fluid absorption, and can be intervened through medication, surgical treatment, and other methods. It is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner, clarify the cause, and provide targeted treatment.

1. Cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders

Cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders may be related to factors such as stenosis of the midbrain aqueduct and compression of tumors in the ventricular system, usually manifested as symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and optic disc edema. Treatment requires relieving the cause of obstruction, such as using acetazolamide tablets to reduce cerebrospinal fluid secretion, or performing ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain fluid accumulation. Emergency treatment is required in case of acute obstruction to avoid the occurrence of cerebral herniation.

2. Excessive cerebrospinal fluid secretion

Lesions such as choroidal plexus papilloma may lead to excessive cerebrospinal fluid secretion, often accompanied by symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. Diagnosis requires enhanced CT or MRI examination, and treatment mainly involves surgical resection of the tumor. After surgery, mannitol injection can be used to reduce intracranial pressure. Some idiopathic cases can try using furosemide tablets to inhibit secretion.

3. Decreased cerebrospinal fluid absorption

Spider web granule dysfunction or venous sinus thrombosis can affect cerebrospinal fluid absorption, which is often secondary to intracranial infection, trauma, or bleeding. Typical symptoms include gait instability and cognitive decline, which can be diagnosed through lumbar puncture pressure measurement. Mild symptoms can be regulated with acetazolamide tablets, while severe cases require lumbar and abdominal bypass surgery.

4. Congenital developmental abnormalities

Dandy Walker syndrome and other congenital malformations can lead to hydrocephalus, manifested as increased head circumference and bulging anterior fontanelle in infants and young children. Diagnosis should be confirmed through cranial ultrasound and genetic testing. Endoscopic third ventricular fistula surgery can be performed in the early stage, and in severe cases, a shunt device should be carried for life. Some children need to cooperate with rehabilitation training to improve their motor dysfunction.

5. Secondary brain injury

Subarachnoid hemorrhage or purulent meningitis may result in secondary hydrocephalus, which often occurs 2-4 weeks after the primary disease. In addition to treating the primary disease, glycerol fructose sodium chloride injection can be used for short-term dehydration, and in the chronic phase, ventricular atrial shunt surgery can be selected according to the condition. These patients need to undergo regular CT scans to evaluate the function of the shunt tube. Patients with hydrocephalus should avoid vigorous exercise and head collisions in their daily lives, and monitor changes in their consciousness status. Postoperative patients need to keep the shunt tube unobstructed to prevent infection. Pay attention to controlling sodium intake and supplementing with vitamin B appropriately in diet. Seek medical attention immediately when symptoms such as worsening headache and drowsiness occur. During long-term follow-up, it is necessary to regularly review head CT scans to evaluate changes in the ventricles and improve quality of life through neurological rehabilitation training.