What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus in the elderly is a disease that needs to be paid close attention to. Hydrocephalus in the elderly can be divided into two types: communicating hydrocephalus and obstructive hydrocephalus. Obstructive hydrocephalus is caused by blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathway in or near the ventricles of the brain. For hydrocephalus in the elderly, the following points need special attention. First, early diagnosis is crucial. Due to the decline of physical function in the elderly, possible symptoms such as cognitive impairment, unsteady gait, urinary incontinence, etc. can easily be mistaken for normal aging, thus delaying diagnosis. Therefore, when these abnormal manifestations occur in the elderly and gradually worsen, relevant examinations should be carried out in time to determine whether hydrocephalus exists. Secondly, accurate assessment of the condition is critical for formulating a reasonable treatment plan. The type of hydrocephalus needs to be comprehensively considered., severity, the patient's overall health status and other factors. For patients with mild symptoms and slow progression, a close observation strategy may be adopted first; for patients with severe symptoms, affecting quality of life, or at risk of deterioration, active treatment is required. Moreover, the choice of treatment methods should be cautious. Surgery such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy is the main treatment method, but there are certain risks and complications in the operation. Doctors need to weigh the pros and cons according to the specific conditions of the patient and choose the most suitable treatment method. At the same time, postoperative nursing and follow-up are also very important to ensure the surgical effect and timely detection of possible problems.