Recently Answered Questions
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Is mild hydrocephalus dangerous?
Query: Hi doctor, My present ultrasound is showing mild hydrocephalus with breech presentation (36 weeks) dilated 13 mm ventricle. No genetic disorder was reported earlier in the second trimester. All the previous ultrasound showed normal and sound growth of the fetus. I had no past problem conceiving my ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Hydrocephalusmeans an increase in fluid content in the fluid spaces of the brain. This can keep increasing in size or remain the same. Hydrocephalus was detected in the last trimester. As it is now 36 weeks wait for the baby to get delivered. As there is fetal hypoxia... Read Full »
Please interpret my 36-week ultrasound reports.
Query: Hi doctor,My earlier ultrasound mentioned a big head in the baby. But, my present ultrasound done in 36 weeks says a big head with mild prominence of bilateral lateral ventricles. My radiosonologist did confirm a big head but on part of hydrocephalus, she was not sure. I have attached the report for... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have checked the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is the prominence of the ventricular system of the brain, if it is beyond certain dimensions then we call it hydrocephalus. This dilatation can sometimes be a normal variant, but things ... Read Full »
I have spina bifida. How will the condition progress?
Query: Hello doctor, I have spina bifida, which is a slow degenerative syndrome. In the long run, what kind of deterioration will take place? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Spina bifida may progress to involve both legs, where one may develop tingling numbness and weakness. One may also develop urinary retention and overflow incontinence. Many times if there is associated cranial abnormality like Chiari malformation, then similar symptoms... Read Full »
I have locked-in syndrome. Can I be cured?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a locked-in syndrome patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report indicates marked hydrocephalus, diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, attenuated blood flow in the cerebral vasculature, and hypoxic encephalopathy. I cannot move or do anything but I react to pain. Please he... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. These MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings are indicative of chronic severe changes in the brain. Unfortunately, the clinical condition of locked-in syndrome is very serious and the prognosis is really reserved. In most of the cases, patients with this syndrome d... Read Full »
Is it serious if fetus revealed mild hydrocephalus?
Query: Hi doctor, Mild hydrocephalus shown with breech presentation in 36 weeks ultrasound scan. None of the previous report showed any abnormality. Genetic test done earlier in second trimester was also normal. I want to understand what should be the next step for a healthy and sound mother and baby. I ha... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Mild hydrocephalus is possible at term and if the biparietal diameter on ultrasound is less than 10 cm then it is still fine. Ideally targeted scan can be done to check for any aqueductal stenosis congenitally, but it is unlikely. The size of the biparietal diameter ... Read Full »
Unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week. What can be done?
Query: Hello doctor, Our unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week (now). We were totally shocked because the doctors in the clinic said that this disease must have been detected much earlier (where we live). Unfortunately, on the ultrasonic image the ventricles can be seen filled with a... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please do not be so anxious. A pediatrician and a pediatric neurosurgeon opinion should be taken for the same. TORCH infection needs to be ruled out in both the mother and the baby. If all is well and baby is born, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation may be done (bas... Read Full »
Which is a better treatment for NPH, shunt surgery or CSF drainage?
Query: Hello doctor, My 76 year old mother was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. She is having trouble walking. She can walk only three to four steps at a time. She has been having this difficulty since a month now. She is currently not on any medication for this or for any other issue... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am sorry to hear about your mother. I have seen her MRI reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Going for lumbar puncture (LP) drainage, and then checking for a clinical improvement, before a shunt, has a better chance of determining the overall suc... Read Full »
Could you please explain MRI brain and CSF studies related to NPH?
Query: Hello doctor,Can you please give the diagnosis of the uploaded MRI brain and CSF studies with a detailed report? Please advise on the action plan as to how to get the CSF findings treated. The MRI report is enclosed. Does the enclosed report co-relate with your findings? The MRI report CSF studies r... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com. The findings in the report and the images are matching and acceptable (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The term NPH is usually applied in cases where there is abnormal CSF hyperdynamic circulation with gait problems or without gait problems if inco... Read Full »
Is surgery mandatory for normal pressure hydrocephalus in a long term diabetic?
Query: Hello doctor, My mother is 70 years old and has long diabetes (almost 40 years). For the last 20 years, she have a memory problem. She fell two times almost eight years ago. After that she have walking difficulty, for the last five years, she also have a problem controlling urine also. These proble... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I recommend trying Furosemide 40 mg twice daily and Acetazolamide 250 mg twice daily. She should start these drugs gradually at a low dose and increase gradually the dose. These drugs will help reduce brain fluid. But, if this is not normal pressure hydrocephalus and ... Read Full »
A 12-year-old has hydrocephalus, uncontrollable seizures and many problems. What could it be?
Query: Hello doctor, I am an occupational therapist, and my client's mother would not let me talk to her neurologist even though I need to script some equipment. So I wanted to ask general questions, the client is 12 years old and has hydrocephalus and had many many surgeries as her shunts keep becoming bl... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your question carefully and would explain the upright position (head of the bed 45 degrees) can help reduce the intracranial pressure. So, I agree with the patient that she feels better in this position. Regarding the medication, I would recommend Diamox and Fu... Read Full »