Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which fluid builds up around the brain and exerts pressure onto the brain tissues. A severe build-up of fluid can result in brain damage.
- What is hydrocephalus?
- Effects of hydrocephalus
- Physiotherapy treatment for hydrocephalus
- Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for hydrocephalus
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of fluid on the brain. Normally the brain is surrounded by a sack of fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the skull. Cerebrospinal Fluid acts as a cushion for the brain, protecting the soft brain tissue from banging against the bony skull. Cerebrospinal fluid also has a role in removing waste products from the brain and supplying the brain with the nutrients it needs in order to function correctly.
The brain works in a continuous cycle, producing new cerebrospinal fluid and releasing old cerebrospinal fluid into blood vessels so it can be absorbed. Hydrocephalus occurs when the continuous cycle is interrupted and old cerebrospinal fluid is not able to leave the brain, but new cerebrospinal fluid continues to be produced.
The increased levels of cerebrospinal fluid build-up around the brain and exert pressure onto the surrounding brain tissues causing the brain cells and nerve cells to become damaged. Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain tissues, resulting in an acquired brain injury.
At Liverpool Neuro Physio we can provide you with physiotherapy to help address the neurological complications caused by damage to the brain tissues following hydrocephalus, such as difficulties moving limbs, balancing and co-ordinating.
Effects of Hydrocephalus
Initial symptoms of hydrocephalus include headaches, vomiting, difficulties walking as well as disturbed vision. The majority of people with hydrocephalus make a good recovery following immediate medical diagnosis and treatment. However, in a few cases some individuals experience long term complications due to the severity of injury that has occurred to the brain as a result of Hydrocephalus. Effects of hydrocephalus include:
- Difficulties planning a movement.
- Lack of coordination between generating new ideas and physically carrying them out.
- Poor coordination.
- The inability to perform an action requiring skill and precision.
- The inability to perform purposeful action.
At Liverpool Neuro Physio our experienced neurological physiotherapists can provide a wide array of treatments to help address the motor difficulties you experience following the brain injury you acquired as a result of hydrocephalus. If you experience difficulties moving limbs, balancing and coordinating then physiotherapy can help address these problems.
Physiotherapy treatment for hydrocephalus
In order to maximise your recovery following hydrocephalus it is important that physiotherapy treatment is initiated as soon as possible in order to maintain and improve the current level of functional ability you possess. At Liverpool Neuro Physio your physiotherapist will:
- Provide assistance in task practice by teaching simple techniques to break down a task into simple steps in order to perform it effectively.
- Provide gait training in order to improve the coordination of your limbs during walking.
- Provide strengthening exercises to maintain muscle strength and minimise the occurrence of muscle wastage, which is often a secondary complication of inactivity.
- If appropriate, provide advice on additional equipment which can help to increase your functional independence.
The long term complications experienced as a result of hydrocephalus are very inhibiting and they often make it difficult to carry out simple everyday tasks. At Liverpool Neuro Physio we understand that the effects of a brain injury caused by Hydrocephalus are lifelong and therefore our physiotherapists can provide you with effective and efficient physiotherapy interventions to make long term improvements to your condition.
Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for hydrocephalus
The bodys response to physiotherapy treatment depends upon the severity of brain injury and the long term complications experienced as a result of hydrocephalus. Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for the long term motor complications experienced by Hydrocephalus sufferers include:
- Improved coordination
- Improved balance
- Improved muscle control
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved confidence
- Improved independence
- Improved quality of life
At Liverpool Neuro Physio our experienced physiotherapists aim to improve your functional abilities where possible by providing you with effective treatments to manage the long term complications you may experience following hydrocephalus.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.