Cardinal Signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus

All of the aforementioned are prominent characteristics of Hydrocephalus

where they are secondary symptoms of the neurological repercussions caused by pressure fluctuations. While the four clinical symptoms may differ between population subsets, they are always present in idiopathic chronic hydrocephalus. Excess cerebrospinal fluid buildup leads to mental disorders, such as gradual cognitive decline and dementia, as well as gait and balance issues and urine frequency and incontinence (Missori & Curr, 2015). Patients also complain about being unable to move their legs and having slow motions.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

is a symptomatic brain malfunction that is best known for distortion of the fibers in the corona radiate and increase in size of lateral cerebral ventricles. The pathophysiological developments result in typical manifestations such as impaired bladder control and gait problems (Rigamonti, 2014). Nevertheless, the syndrome should not guide timing of the diagnosis, as leading signs vary from patient to patient. Instead, preliminary tests should be based on sufficient suspicion as established by the clinician.

What is the Hakim Triad, and what is wrong with using it?

The clinic concept refers to gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence, a group of symptoms that have traditionally been regarded as a prodrome of NPH (Rigamonti, 2014). Nevertheless, relying on the syndrome is erroneous, as the symptoms also provide sufficient suspicion of other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Judgments based on Hakim triad can result in misdiagnosis as well as incorrect treatments

What are the two treatments for hydrocephalus?

NPH treatment employs surgical insertion of a shunt system as well as third ventriculostomy. The two methods entail the use of a sturdy plastic tube to drain the excess fluid, with the latter being the technology of choice when medics are unable to visualize ventricular surface or reach sensitive areas.

Complications of a VP shunt can result in meningitis, peritonitis, obstruction or displacement

Despite its clinical value, a VP shunt is an imperfect device because it exposes individuals to opportunistic bacterial infections such as meningitis and peritonitis, as well as traumas such as obstruction (Mattei, Nichol, Rollins & Muratore, 2017). The unexpected developments have made monitoring a critical part of the NPH management, where the focus is minimizing the adverse outcomes, including the collapse of ventricles.

References

Mattei, P., Nichol, P., Rollins, M., & Muratore, C. (2017). Fundamentals of pediatric surgery. [Cham]: Springer International Publishing AG.

Missori, P., & CurrÃ, A. (2015). Progressive Cognitive Impairment Evolving to Dementia Parallels Parieto-Occipital and Temporal Enlargement in Idiopathic Chronic Hydrocephalus: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Frontiers In Neurology, 6.

Rigamonti, D. (Ed.). (2014). Adult hydrocephalus. Cambridge University Press.