Prognosis of a hydrocephalus

An untreated hydrocephalus in early childhood is fatal in more than 50% of cases, while the other half of the small hydrocephalus patients are usually left with a disability. However, with timely therapy, i.e. the creation of a shunt, the mortality rate of hydrocephalus falls to below 10% and over 66% of patients do not retain either a physical or mental disability. However, the rest of hydrocephalus patients suffer from partial performance disorders or behavioral problems.

Patients with hydrocephalus usually also have increased intracranial pressure. What can be done about it and what is the prognosis? Elevated ICP – Signs, Causes and TherapyThe life expectancy of hydrocephalus patients depends on various factors.

In particular, the time of diagnosis and the cause play a major role. In the absence of a diagnosis, hydrocephalus can be acutely life-threatening, as the increased pressure can cause vital areas of the brain to become trapped.In the case of an outflow disorder, for example due to a tumor, surgery can mean a permanent cure and life expectancy is no different from the life expectancy of other people. In the case of a shunt system, which usually has to be left in place permanently, a reduction in life expectancy is also not to be expected in most cases.

However, since in some cases there is an infection of the tube with involvement of the brain and meninges, there is a danger to life in acute cases. Life expectancy is therefore particularly dependent on how quickly a hydrocephalus diagnosis is made. Without treatment, hydrocephalus can be fatal, whereas with early treatment, life expectancy is significantly longer.

Depending on the cause of hydrocephalus, however, the underlying disease can limit life expectancy. The time of diagnosis is also crucial for mental development. Permanently increased pressure on brain areas can lead to significant limitations.

Furthermore, the cause of hydrocephalus is also crucial. In the case of hydrocephalus due to a brain malformation, a significant mental disability is almost always to be expected. Also with children, who already develop hydrocephalus in the womb, mental restrictions are to be expected, since during pregnancy no treatment is possible.

Basically, the underlying disease is more decisive for the development of the child than the hydrocephalus itself. The prediction of the limitations is usually not possible immediately after the diagnosis. Many children are able to lead an independent life through appropriate therapies. This only becomes apparent over many years and can be assessed on the basis of certain developmental milestones. With appropriate treatment, no further damage is to be expected from an already known hydrocephalus.