Stress, anxiety, and depression are the primary concerns that hit most people’s minds when brain health is mentioned. Nonetheless, they are not the only concerns that impact brain health. Problems like hydrocephalus can also affect the brain, a condition that results when fluid in the brain doesn’t get absorbed or flow the way it should. The build-up in the cavities (ventricles) deep in the brain causes hydrocephalus. Learn more about the easier and most difficult types of surgeries, on this website: https://www.protectyourlifenow.com
There are four types of Flowood Hydrocephalus, namely:
- Congenital
- Compensated
- Acquired
- Normal pressure
Among the effective hydrocephalus, treatments are surgery. While it can be scary, surgery is effective, especially when approached right. Here is a glance to help you prepare and facilitate better recovery.
Table of Contents
Preparing for Surgery
Inform your doctor of all the natural health products and medicines you take. Some products and drugs can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Your doctor will advise you if you should stop taking some of them before the surgery and how soon you should do it. For instance, if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners) or aspirin, ask your doctor if you should stop taking them before surgery. Some of these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.
As you prepare, ensure you have someone to escort you back home. Pain medicine and anesthesia make it unsafe to get home alone or drive. Also, ensure the hospital and doctors have a copy of your advance care plan. If you have none, you may need to prepare one because it notifies others of your healthcare wishes.
On the day of surgery
Follow the earlier given instructions about when to stop drinking or eating. If not, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor advises you to take medicine on the day of the surgery, ensure you only take it with a sip of water.
What to expect: risks and complications
Over drainage
This happens when too much fluid is drained by gravity from the ventricles while the individual is upright. Symptoms may include:
- Double vision
- Drowsiness
- A headache that worsens when standing up and improves when lying down
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lack of concentration or focus
Infection
This is a common risk of all surgical operations, especially if a foreign object like a shunt is inserted. If left untreated, the infection can cause systemic diseases, or the wound can open up, accompanied by chills and high fever. Infection symptoms may include
- Redness
- Swelling of the wound
- Tenderness next to the shunt tract
Obstruction of the shunt
One of the most common complications is shunt obstruction. The blockage may occur anywhere along the shunt, thus producing signs and symptoms of increased pressure in the head. These symptoms vary depending on the degree of obstruction and the person’s age. Symptoms of shunt obstruction include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Periodic headache
- Decreased mental function
- Listlessness
- Drowsiness
Emergency hospitalization may be required if a person becomes slow to react or confused. A neurosurgeon will run tests to determine the extent of the obstruction and whether to remove or replace the obstructed part of the shunt.
If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal. When diagnosed and treated promptly, you can mitigate the harm that could be caused to your brain and overall health. Contact or visit Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today to learn more about hydrocephalus.
