Hydrocephalus Treatment in Children | Dr. Rahul Deo Sharma – Leading Pediatric Surgeon in Agra

HYDROCEPHALUS

Dr. R.D. Sharma

Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Dr. R.D. Sharma (Dr. Rahul Deo Sharma) is a highly experienced and Leading pediatric surgeon in Agra, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Hydrocephalus in children. With over a decade of expertise and 5500+ surgeries, he offers safe and evidence-based solutions for neonatal and pediatric neurosurgical conditions.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. This fluid is essential for brain nourishment, protection, and removal of waste. When the normal flow or absorption of CSF is obstructed, it causes pressure build-up in the brain, leading to ventricular enlargement.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

Congenital Hydrocephalus (Present at Birth)

• Genetic and environmental factors

• Aqueductal stenosis – most common cause

• Dandy Walker Syndrome

• Chiari malformation (often with Spina Bifida)

Acquired Hydrocephalus (Later in Life)

• Meningitis (most common in India)

• Brain hemorrhage

• Head trauma

• Brain tumors or cysts

Symptoms & Diagnosis

In Infants

• Rapidly enlarging head

• Poor feeding, high-pitched crying

• Vomiting and drowsiness

• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head)

• "Sun-setting" eyes (inability to look up)

In Older Children

• Headache, vomiting

• Lethargy and behavior changes

• Enlarged head size

• Diagnosis via CT Scan or MRI to assess CSF blockage and brain pressure

Treatment Options

There is no permanent cure for Hydrocephalus, but timely surgical intervention can effectively manage it.

1. VP Shunt (Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt)

• A silicone tube inserted to divert CSF from the brain to the abdomen

• Most commonly used treatment

• Safe and widely available in India

2. VA Shunt / Pleural Shunt

• For cases where the abdomen cannot absorb CSF

• Fluid is diverted to the heart (VA shunt) or chest cavity

3. LP Shunt (Lumboperitoneal Shunt)

• Used in communicating hydrocephalus with no clear obstruction

• Common in older children

4. Endoscopic Treatment

• Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

• Aqueductal stenting

• Minimally invasive option; avoids long-term use of a shunt

• Performed in selected cases by a pediatric neurosurgeon

Postoperative Care

• Child monitored in recovery for 12–24 hours

• Allowed fluids after 12 hours; normal diet in 24 hours

• Discharge usually within 5–7 days

• Follow-up CT scan may be advised to confirm success

Possible Complications

• Shunt blockage due to twisting, breakage, or infection

• Shunt migration (especially in growing children)

• Infections (fever, redness, swelling, discharge)

• Infected or malfunctioning shunts need revision or replacement

Warning Signs of Shunt Blockage

• Sudden vomiting, drowsiness, or fever

• Swelling along the shunt path

• Re-emergence of hydrocephalus symptoms➡️ Seek emergency medical help immediately

Prognosis and Development

Most children with timely hydrocephalus treatment live normal lives. Some may face learning delays or developmental coordination issues. Early diagnosis, proper shunt function, and parental vigilance are key to a healthy outcome.

Long-Term Management

• A VP shunt can remain in place for years

• Shunt revision may be needed as the child grows

• Removal only if deemed safe by the pediatric surgeon

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• Book a Consultation with the Leading pediatric surgeon in Agra

If your child is showing symptoms of hydrocephalus, early consultation with a specialist is crucial.Dr. Rahul Deo Sharma, a leading pediatric and neonatal surgeon in Agra, offers compassionate care and advanced treatment for hydrocephalus and other pediatric surgical conditions.

📍 Clinic Information

• Dr. Rahul Deo Sharma

  Dev Diabetes and Child care Clinic

  Consultant Pediatric Surgeon & Urologist Agra,

  Uttar Pradesh, India

  
  

  🌐 Website: www.drrahuldeosharma.com