MED. SURG.

03 FOR NURSES YR 2

Presentation outline

1. What is tetanus?
2. Causes of Tetanus
3. Signs and Symptoms
4. Diagnosis and Treatment
5. Complications
6. Prevention

Tetanus is a fatal illness or disease of the central nervous system. It's caused by a poison (toxin)
made by the tetanus bacterium. The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound.
Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure, and can also be found in the human intestine and other
places. Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.

Causes of tetanus

Tetanus is caused by the toxin of the bacterium clostridium tetani. It occurs in people who have
had a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture. It’s also seen in the umbilical stump of infants in
underdeveloped countries. This occurs in places where immunization to tetanus is not
widespread and where parents may not know how to care for the stump after the baby is born.

After being exposed to tetanus, it may take from 3 to 21 days to develop any symptoms. In
infants, symptoms may take from 3 days to 2 weeks to develop.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

The most common signs and symptoms include:

 Stiff jaw (also called lockjaw) (Trismus)

 Stiff abdominal and back muscles
 Contraction of the facial muscles (Risus Sardonicus)
 Fast pulse

1
  Fever
 Sweating
 Painful muscle spasms, especially near the wound area (if these affect the throat or chest
wall, breathing may be stopped)
 Pain during swallowing
 Arching of the back (opisthotonus) with the patient remaining clearly conscious.

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam, medical and vaccination history, and the
signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, muscle rigidity and pain. A laboratory test would likely
be used only if your doctor suspects another condition causing the signs and symptoms.

TREATMENT
Treatment for tetanus (or to reduce the risk of tetanus after an injury) may include:
Treatment focuses on managing complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.
A person who has tetanus will be treated in a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit.
Treatment will usually include antibiotics to kill bacteria and tetanus immune globulin (TIG) to
neutralize the toxin already released.
Give medicines to control muscle spasms and may need treatment to support vital body
functions.
Depending on how serious the infection is, you may need to be placed on a ventilator to help you
breathe.

In summary, do the following:

 Medicines to control spasms

 Thorough cleaning of the wound
 A course of tetanus antitoxin injections
 Use of a ventilator (breathing machine) if you have trouble breathing on your own
 Antibiotics
 Other medicines to control pain and other symptoms such as fast heartbeat

2
COMPLICATIONS

Complications of tetanus can include:

 Vocal cord spasms

 Broken bones due to severe muscle spasms
 Breathing problems
 Pneumonia
 Abnormal heart rhythms
 Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)

Prevention of Tetanus

 Vaccination.
 Control the bleeding. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
 Keep the wound clean. After the bleeding stops, rinse the wound thoroughly with clean
running water. Clean the area around the wound with soap and a washcloth. If something
is embedded in a wound, see your doctor.
 Use antibiotics. After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or
ointment. These antibiotics won’t make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage
bacterial growth and infection.
 Cover the wound. Exposure to the air might speed healing, but bandages can keep the
wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. Blisters that are draining are vulnerable.
Keep them covered until a scab forms.
 Change the dressing. Apply a new dressing at least once a day or whenever the dressing
becomes wet or dirty to help prevent infection.

3
MEMINGITIS

Presentation outline

 What is Meningitis?
 Causes of Meningitis
 Signs and Symptoms
 Diagnosis and Treatment
 Complications
 Risk factors for meningitis
 Prevention

Meningitis is an inflammation of the three membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and
spinal cord.

Causes

The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections, and other causes may
include: cancer, fungi, and drug-induced reactions.

Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious, they can be transmitted by coughing,
sneezing, or close contact.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis

The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis can be similar in the beginning. However,
bacterial meningitis signs and symptoms are usually more severe. The signs and symptoms also
vary depending on your age.

Viral meningitis signs and symptoms

Viral meningitis in infants may cause:

4
  decreased appetite
 irritability
 vomiting
 diarrhea
 rash

In adults, viral meningitis may cause:

 headaches
 fever
 stiff neck
 seizures
 sensitivity to bright light
 sleepiness
 lethargy
 nausea and vomiting
 decreased appetite
 altered mental state

Bacterial meningitis signs and symptoms

Bacterial meningitis signs and symptoms develop suddenly. They may include:

 altered mental status

 nausea
 vomiting
 sensitivity to light
 irritability
 headache
 fever
 chills
 stiff neck
 purple areas of skin that resemble bruises

5
  sleepiness
 lethargy

Types of meningitis

Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. The Viruses include the Enterovirus
category cause about 52 percent of cases in adults and 58 percent of cases in infants.

 coxsackievirus A
 coxsackievirus B
 echoviruses

Other viruses that can cause meningitis include:

 West Nile virus

 influenza
 mumps
 measles
 Herpes viruses etc.

Viral meningitis typically goes away without treatment. However, some causes do need to be
treated.

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria. It can be fatal if
left untreated.

The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are:

 Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is typically found in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and
nasal cavity and can cause what’s called “pneumococcal meningitis”

6
  Neisseria meningitidis, which is spread through saliva and other respiratory fluids and
causes what’s called “meningococcal meningitis”
 Listeria monocytogenes, which are foodborne bacteria
 Staphylococcus aureus, which is typically found all over the skin and in the nasal
passages, and causes “staphylococcal meningitis”

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis. It’s caused by a fungus that infects one’s body and
then spreads from the bloodstream to the brain or spinal cord.

People with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop fungal meningitis. This
includes people with cancer or HIV.

The most common funguses related to fungal meningitis include:

 Cryptococcus, which is inhaled from dirt or soil that is contaminated with bird droppings,
especially pigeons and chickens, or rotting vegetation.
 Blastomyces, another type of fungus found in soil.
 Histoplasma, which is found in environments that are heavily contaminated with bat and
bird droppings.
 Coccidioides, which is also found in soil

Parasitic meningitis

This type of meningitis is less common than viral or bacterial meningitis, and it’s caused by
parasites that are found in dirt, feces, and on some animals and food, raw fish, poultry, etc.

Meningitis treatment

The treatment is determined by the cause of your meningitis.

 Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment

will prevent brain damage and death. Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous

7
 antibiotics and steroids. There’s no specific antibiotic for bacterial meningitis. It depends
on the bacteria involved.
 Fungal meningitis is treated with antifungal agents.
 Parasitic meningitis may either involve treating just the symptoms or attempting to treat
the infection directly. Depending on the cause, this type may get better without antibiotic
treatment.
 Viral meningitis may resolve on its own, but some causes of viral meningitis will be
treated with intravenous antiviral medications.

Diagnosis of meningitis

Diagnosing meningitis starts with a health history and physical exam.

 Fever
 skin issues/problems
 increased heart rate
 neck stiffness
 reduced consciousness

Lab. Investigations include:

Lumbar puncture. This test is also called a spinal tap. It allows you to analyze the cerebral spinal
fluid, which contains a number of clues regarding an infection. Some of the clues in the cerebral
spinal fluid can be glucose, white blood cell count, and red blood cell count. This test can also
determine the best antibiotic for treatment.

Other Common tests include the following:

 Blood cultures identify bacteria in the blood. Bacteria can travel from the blood to the
brain. N. meningitidis and S. pneumonia, among others, can cause both sepsis and
meningitis.

8
  A complete blood count with differential is a general index of health. It checks the
number of red and white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells fight infection. The
count is usually elevated in meningitis.
 Chest X-rays can reveal the presence of pneumonia, tuberculosis, or fungal infections.
Meningitis can occur after pneumonia.
 A CT scan of the head may show problems like a brain abscess or intercranial pressure.
Bacteria can spread from the sinuses to the meninges.

Complications of meningitis

 seizures
 hearing loss
 vision loss
 memory problems
 migraine headaches
 brain damage
 hydrocephalus

What are the risk factors for meningitis?

The following are some of the risk factors for meningitis:

Compromised immunity

People with an immune deficiency are more vulnerable to infections. This includes the infections
that cause meningitis. Certain disorders and treatments can weaken your immune system. These
include:

 HIV/AIDS
 autoimmune disorders
 chemotherapy
 organ or bone marrow transplants
 cancer

9
  immunosuppressive medication

Cryptococcal meningitis, which is caused by a fungus, is the most common form of meningitis in
people with HIV.

Community living

Meningitis is easily spread when people live in close quarters. Being in small spaces increases
the chance of exposure. Examples include:

 college dormitories
 barracks
 boarding schools
 daycare centers

Pregnancy

Pregnant women have an increased risk of listeriosis, which is an infection caused by the
Listeria bacteria. Infection can spread to the unborn child.

Age

All ages are at risk for meningitis. However, certain age groups have a higher risk. Children
under the age of 5 are at increased risk of viral meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial
meningitis. Older adults can also be at risk for certain infections that can lead to meningitis.

Working with animals

Farm workers and others who work with animals have an increased risk of infection with
Listeria.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR MENENGITIS

Vaccines

10
There are many vaccines available that help prevent bacterial and viral infections that can lead to
meningitis. Some are only given to certain age groups or others at high risk. Ask your healthcare
provider which vaccines are right for you, your child or other loved ones.

 Vaccines against bacteria. Vaccines for meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease,

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) and tuberculosis all help to protect you from
bacterial infections that can lead to meningitis. The tuberculosis vaccine is used in
countries where tuberculosis is common.
 Vaccinations against viruses. Vaccines for chickenpox, influenza, measles and mumps
help to protect you from viral infections that can lead to meningitis.

Prophylactic antibiotics

Your healthcare provider can prescribe prophylactic (“pro-fa-LAK-tik”) antibiotics to help

prevent a bacterial infection if you’re at high risk. Talk to your provider about prophylactic
antibiotics if someone close to you (like someone you live with or are around a lot) has:

 Meningitis caused by meningitids.

 A serious Hib infection.

Other ways to help prevent meningitis

You can reduce your risk of meningitis with a few simple habits to protect yourself and others
from infectious diseases.

 Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Thorough hand-washing is particularly
important after using the bathroom, before and after preparing a meal or eating, after
contact with poop (animal or human) and after gardening or working with sand or dirt.
 Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
 Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
 Avoid contact with others when either of you are sick with a contagious disease. If you
can’t avoid others, wearing a mask may help prevent the spread of disease. Don’t share
personal items (like drinking glasses) with other people.

11
 Don’t swim in or drink water that could be contaminated. Use distilled or treated water
for nasal irrigation.
 Practice safe food prep: Freeze and cook foods to safe temperatures. Peel or thoroughly
wash all fruits and vegetables. Wash food preparation surfaces and utensils with soap and
water after use.
 Don’t eat undercooked or uncooked meat and seafood.
 Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or eat food made from unpasteurized milk.
 Reduce your risk of bug bites by using bug repellent approved for ticks and mosquitos
and covering as much exposed skin as you can when outside. Check for ticks after being
in wooded areas or areas with long grass.
 Reduce your risk of fungal infections by wearing a mask in dusty areas like constructions
sites and staying inside during dust storms. Take extra precautions if you live in areas
where fungal infections are common.
 If you’re pregnant, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations on which foods to
avoid. Ask about testing for group B S__treptococcus and how to avoid passing an
infection to your baby during birth.
 When traveling, learn how to reduce your risk of infectious diseases that are common in
your destination.

12
ENCEPHALITIS

Presentation outline

 What is Encephalitis?
 Types
 Causes of Encephalitis
 Signs and Symptoms
 Diagnosis and Treatment
 Complications
 Risk factors for meningitis
 Prevention

Encephalitis; is inflammation of the brain. There are several causes, including viral infection,
autoimmune inflammation, bacterial infection, insect bites and others. When inflammation is
caused by an infection in the brain, it's known as infectious encephalitis. And when it's caused by
your own immune system attacking the brain, it's known as autoimmune encephalitis.

Types of Encephalitis

There are two main types of encephalitis:

 Infectious encephalitis. This condition occurs when a virus or other agent directly
infects the brain. The infection may affect one area or be widespread. Viruses are the
most common causes of infectious encephalitis, including some that can be passed by
mosquitoes or ticks. Very rarely that encephalitis may be caused by bacteria, fungus or
parasites.

13
  Autoimmune encephalitis. This condition occurs when your own immune cells
mistakenly attack the brain or make antibodies targeting proteins and receptors in the
brain. The exact reason why this happens is not completely understood. Sometimes the
abnormal immune response can be triggered by benign or cancerous tumors, known as
paraneoplastic and autoimmune encephalitis.

CAUSES
Common viral causes

 The viruses that can cause encephalitis include:

 Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Both HSV type 1, this is associated with cold sores and
fever blisters around your mouth and HSV type 2, associated with genital herpes can
cause encephalitis. Encephalitis caused by HSV type 1 is rare but can result in significant
brain damage or death.
 Other herpes viruses. These include the Epstein-Barr virus, which commonly causes
infectious mononucleosis, and the varicella-zoster virus, which commonly causes
chickenpox.
 Enteroviruses. These viruses include the poliovirus and the coxsackievirus, which
usually cause an illness with flu-like symptoms, eye inflammation and abdominal pain.
 Mosquito-borne viruses. These viruses can cause infections such as West Nile fever.
 Tick-borne viruses. The Powassan virus is carried by ticks and causes encephalitis.
Symptoms usually appear about a week after a bite from an infected tick.
 Rabies virus. Infection with the rabies virus, which is usually transmitted by a bite from
an infected animal, causes a rapid progression to encephalitis once symptoms begin.

Signs and Symptoms

Encephalitis may cause many different symptoms including confusion, personality changes,
seizures or problems with movement. Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing.
Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as:

 Headache.

14
  Fever.
 Aches in muscles or joints.
 Fatigue or weakness.

Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours, such as:

 Stiff neck.
 Confusion, and hallucinations.

 Seizures.
 Loss of sensation or being unable to move certain areas of the face or body.
 Irregular movements.
 Muscle weakness.
 Problems with speech or hearing.
 Loss of consciousness, including coma.

In infants and young children, signs and symptoms also might include:

 Bulging in the soft spots of an infant's skull, known as fontanels.

 Nausea and vomiting.
 Stiffness affecting the whole body.
 Poor feeding or not waking for a feeding.
 Irritability.

DIAGNOSIS

 Brain imaging. MRI or CT images can reveal any swelling of the brain or another
condition that might be causing your symptoms, such as a tumor.
 Spinal tap, known as a lumbar puncture. A needle inserted into your lower back to
removes a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the protective fluid that surrounds
the brain and spinal column. Changes in this fluid can point to infection and
inflammation in the brain. Sometimes samples of CSF can be tested to identify the cause.

15
 This may include testing for infection or presence of antibodies associated with
autoimmune encephalitis.
 Other lab tests. Samples of blood, urine or excretions from the back of the throat can be
tested for viruses or other infectious agents.
 Electroencephalogram (EEG). Electrodes affixed to your scalp record the brain's
electrical activity. Certain abnormal patterns may indicate a diagnosis of encephalitis.
 Body imaging. Sometimes, autoimmune encephalitis may be triggered by an abnormal
immune response to a tumor, benign or cancerous, in your body. Your health care
provider may order imaging studies, such as ultrasound, MRI, CT or CT-PET scans.
These scans may look at your chest, abdomen or pelvis to check for these tumors. If a
mass is found, a small piece of it may be removed to study it in a lab. This is known as a
biopsy.

 Brain biopsy. Rarely, a small sample of brain tissue might be removed for testing. A
brain biopsy is usually done only if symptoms are worsening and treatments are having
no effect.

Treatment

Treatment for mild encephalitis usually consists of:

 Bed rest.
 Plenty of fluids.
 Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen to relieve headaches and fevers.

Antiviral medicines

Encephalitis caused by certain viruses usually requires antiviral treatment.

Antiviral medicines commonly used to treat encephalitis include:

 Acyclovir (Zovirax).
 Ganciclovir (Zirgan).
 Foscarnet (Foscavir).

16
Some viruses, such as insect-borne viruses, don't respond to these treatments. But because the
specific virus may not be identified immediately or at all, health care providers often recommend
immediate treatment with acyclovir. Acyclovir can be effective against HSV, which can result in
significant complications when not treated promptly.

Autoimmune encephalitis, if the tests show an autoimmune cause of encephalitis, then

medicines that target your immune system, known as immune-modulatory medicines, or other
treatments may be started. These may include:

 Intravenous or oral corticosteroids.

 Intravenous immunoglobulin.
 Plasma exchange.

Some people with autoimmune encephalitis need long-term treatment with immunosuppressive
medicines. These may include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate mofetil
(CellCept), rituximab (Rituxan) etc.

Autoimmune encephalitis caused by tumors may require treatment of those tumors. This may
include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments.

Supportive care

People who are hospitalized with severe encephalitis might need:

 Breathing assistance, as well as careful monitoring of breathing and heart function.

 Intravenous fluids to ensure proper hydration and levels of essential minerals.
 Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids, to reduce swelling and pressure
within the skull.
 Anticonvulsant medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), to stop or prevent seizures.

Follow-up therapy

If you experience complications of encephalitis, you might need additional therapy, such as:

17
  Brain rehabilitation to improve cognition and memory.
 Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, balance, motor coordination and
mobility.
 Occupational therapy to develop everyday skills and to use adaptive products that help
with everyday activities.
 Speech therapy to relearn muscle control and coordination to produce speech.
 Psychotherapy to learn coping strategies and new behavioral skills to improve mood
disorders or address personality changes.

Risk factors

 Age. Some types of encephalitis are more common or more-severe in certain age groups.
In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of most types of viral
encephalitis. Similarly, some forms of autoimmune encephalitis are more common in
children and young adults, whereas others are more common in older adults.
 Weakened immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS, take immune-suppressing
medicines or have another condition causing a weakened immune system are at increased
risk of encephalitis.
 Geographical regions. Mosquito- or tick-borne viruses are common in particular
geographical regions.
 Season of the year. Mosquito- and tick-borne diseases tend to be more common.
 Autoimmune disease. People who already have an autoimmune condition may be more
prone to develop autoimmune encephalitis.
 Smoking. Smoking increases the chances of developing lung cancer, which in turn
increases the risk of developing paraneoplastic autoimmune encephalitis.

Complications

 Persistent fatigue.
 Weakness or lack of muscle coordination.
 Personality changes.
 Memory problems.

18
  Hearing or vision defects.
 Speech impairments.

Prevention

The best way to prevent viral encephalitis is to take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses that
can cause the disease.

 Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water,
particularly after using the toilet and before and after meals.
 Don't share utensils.
 Teach your children good habits. Make sure they practice good hygiene and avoid
sharing utensils at home and school.
 Get vaccinations.

Protection against mosquitoes and ticks

 Dress to protect yourself. Wear long-sleeved shirts.

 Apply mosquito repellent.
 Use insecticide.
 Get rid of water sources outside your home.
 Look for outdoor signs of viral disease. If you notice sick or dying birds or animals,
rport your observations to your local health department.

HYDROCEPHALUS

Hydrocephalus, in simple term it means “water on the brain”: is the buildup of fluid in the
cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. This fluid doesn’t flow or get absorbed the way it
supposed to be. That can lead to backups and blockages that put pressure on your brain.

Hydrocephalus Signs and Symptoms

19
Symptoms of hydrocephalus can be different depending on your age. In babies, they include:

 An unusually large head that gets bigger quickly

 The soft spot on top of a baby’s head is firm or bulging
 Eyes that are focused downward (sometimes called “sun setting of the eyes”)
 Irritability
 Vomiting or poor feeding
 Seizures
 Poor muscle tone and strength
 Less responsive to touch
 Poor growth

Signs and Symptoms of hydrocephalus in toddlers and children:

 Headaches
 Eyes that are focused downward (sometimes called “sun setting of the eyes”)
 Blurry vision
 An unusually large head
 Sleepiness or low energy
 Nausea or vomiting
 Bad balance or coordination
 Problems with gait (walking)
 Lack of appetite
 Seizures
 Loss of bladder control
 Change in mood
 Change in personality
 Trouble doing well in school
 Delays or problems in already acquired skills, such as walking and talking

Sign and Symptoms of hydrocephalus in adults younger than 60:

 Headaches

20
  Tiredness
 Poor balance or coordination
 Loss of bladder control
 Changes in vision
 A drop-off in memory or concentration that causes problems at work

Signs and Symptoms of hydrocephalus in adults older than 60:

 Loss of bladder control

 Memory loss
 Trouble with planning or processing skills
 Problems walking or poor coordination
 Dementia
 General slowing of movements

Hydrocephalus Causes

The three main causes of hydrocephalus are:

 A blockage. Tumors, cysts, birth defects, brain injury, or stroke can block or affect the
normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
 Poor fluid absorption. Inflammation, injuries, or infections like bacterial meningitis can
keep your brain tissues from taking in cerebrospinal fluid.
 Too much fluid. In rare cases, your body makes more cerebrospinal fluid than your brain
can handle, often due to infection like meningitis.

Types of Hydrocephalus

The four main types of hydrocephalus are:

 Congenital hydrocephalus. This is when someone is born with hydrocephalus.

 Compensated hydrocephalus. This shows up early in life, sometimes before birth but
doesn’t cause symptoms until later in life.

21
  Acquired hydrocephalus. This is caused by a tumor, cyst, head injury, or a brain
infection.
 Normal pressure hydrocephalus. This usually shows up in older adults and leads to a
swelling in the small, open areas of the brain but without any change in pressure. Cause is
not known.

Some experts refer to hydrocephalus as either “communicating” -- meaning the cerebrospinal

fluid is flowing freely -- or “non-communicating,” which is when there’s a blockage.

Hydrocephalus Diagnosis

 Neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, balance, vision, eye
movement, hearing, mental functioning, and mood
 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a scan that uses powerful magnets and radio
waves to make detailed images of your brain
 Computerized tomography (CT) scan, a series of X-rays taken from different angles
that are put together to make a more complete picture of your brain
 Spinal tap, when a doctor inserts a needle into the lower back in order to remove and test
some of the fluid
 Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP), which uses a small monitor inserted into the
brain to measure how much swelling is there; intracranial pressure can also be measured
by EVD (external ventricular drain) or lumbar drain (like a lumbar puncture but a small
catheter stays in place to measure pressure and to drain fluid).
 Fundoscopic exam, which looks at the nerve behind the eye to see if swelling is present

Hydrocephalus Treatments

If symptoms are mild, may not need treatment. If they’re serious, probably Dr. will recommend
surgery to put a flexible plastic tube called a shunt in your brain to redirect the cerebrospinal
fluid into another part of your body, like your belly.

In some cases, hydrocephalus can be treated without using a shunt. One type of surgery,
endoscopic third ventriculostomy, opens a pathway in your brain so the fluid can flow freely,

22
while the other closes off the part of your brain that makes cerebrospinal fluid. If hydrocephalus
is due to a tumor, the tumor can be removed; if it is due to a stroke, the skull may be opened to
relieve pressure and swelling. Some medications help slowly the production of CSF, such as
acetazolamide (Diamox).

Many people with hydrocephalus find help through therapy and education. Specialists may
provide:

 Occupational therapy to help children and adults with life skills

 Developmental therapy to help children learn social behaviors
 Special education for learning disabilities
 Mental health care or social workers to provide emotional support and help families find
services
 Dementia care

Hydrocephalus Complications

 Headache
 Double vision or sensitivity to light
 Nausea or vomiting
 Soreness of the neck or shoulder muscles
 Seizures
 Redness or tenderness along the shunt tract
 Low-grade fever
 Sleepiness or tiredness
 Return of hydrocephalus symptoms

Hydrocephalus Prevention

Some, but not all causes of hydrocephalus can be prevented.

 Safety gear such as helmets can help prevent head injuries while playing sports, riding a
bike, and other activities.

23
 Car seats and seatbelts can help protect children in the car.
 Regular health care during pregnancy can help lower the chances of problems during
pregnancy, including infection and premature birth.
 Meningitis was once a common cause of hydrocephalus.

24