Hydrocephalus, Neurosurgery FAQ

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Can MRA Detect Hydrocephalus After Shunt Removal?

Can an MRA detect hydrocephalus? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when I was 9 years old, and later had a shunt placed for drainage. Four years ago, the shunt was removed because I was frequently uncomfortable and my doctor determined that there would be no recur...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
MRA primarily examines blood vessels, but it is a brain scan, and it can also reveal the presence of hydrocephalus.

[Read More] Can MRA Detect Hydrocephalus After Shunt Removal?


Monitoring Intracranial Pressure After Ventriculostomy: Key Insights

How to monitor intracranial pressure after the placement of a ventriculostomy catheter? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in a vegetative state. Before he fell into a complete coma, he was still conscious and able to move his eyes. During that time, it was discovered that he h...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
To directly measure intracranial pressure, invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture are required. A CT scan can only indirectly detect ventricular enlargement and then infer elevated intracranial pressure.

[Read More] Monitoring Intracranial Pressure After Ventriculostomy: Key Insights


Can Children with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Jump Rope Safely?

If you have a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, it is generally advised to avoid high-impact activities such as jumping rope. It is important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific condition and recovery status? The child is currently 8 ...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This cannot be determined; you need to ask the surgeon who performed the operation at that time.

[Read More] Can Children with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Jump Rope Safely?


Understanding Recovery After Aneurysm Rupture and Coiling Surgery

Ruptured cerebral aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, has undergone embolization surgery? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for taking the time to respond. On Day 0, my father experienced a sudden severe headache on the morning of December 2nd. He was taken to the hospital half ...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not have a specific intervention time; it can begin once the condition is stable. 2. After regaining consciousness, a physician can reassess the situation. 3. It's really difficult to say.

[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Aneurysm Rupture and Coiling Surgery


Understanding Recurrent Hydrocephalus: Long-Term Management and Concerns

The condition of hydrocephalus is recurrent? Hello Doctor: My mother (65 years old) underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery for hydrocephalus in June of this year. She has been regularly returning for follow-up appointments to assess her postoperative condition and determi...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Theoretically, with the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, continuous drainage of cerebrospinal fluid can be maintained, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing hydrocephalus again.

[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Hydrocephalus: Long-Term Management and Concerns


Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained

Subdural hematoma and hydrocephalus? Dear Vice President, 1. My father had a history of stroke due to hypertension seven years ago. The medical advice indicated that the bleeding was minimal, and he was observed for spontaneous absorption without surgery. He has left-sided hemip...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
1. Subdural hematoma cannot be resolved by third ventriculostomy. Third ventriculostomy is a procedure used to manage hydrocephalus.

[Read More] Understanding Subdural Hematoma and Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options Explained


Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients

Currently in the intensive care unit, experiencing a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with spinal cord injury? Hello, currently in the intensive care unit, the patient has suffered a stroke affecting the right side of the body, with right pupil dilation and cerebellar...


Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: If a malignant tumor has invaded the brain, including the cerebrum and cerebellum, and there is unilateral pupil dilation, along with a craniotomy for decompression already performed... the patient's condition is actually quite pessimistic, and the chances of recovery...

[Read More] Understanding Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury in ICU Patients


Can Hydrocephalus Worsen Over Time? Seeking Expert Advice

Does hydrocephalus cause the brain to enlarge? Hello Doctor: I visited the neurology department at Yunji Hospital over ten years ago. At that time, my symptoms included hand tremors and numbness. Since no definitive cause was found (I underwent nerve and EEG tests but with no sig...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
You are likely referring to a blister or fluid accumulation, which can potentially increase in size. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon for evaluation.

[Read More] Can Hydrocephalus Worsen Over Time? Seeking Expert Advice


Post-Surgery Recovery for Hydrocephalus Patients: Managing Dizziness

Recovery in patients with hydrocephalus? Hello, I would like to inquire about how long it takes for a patient with hydrocephalus to stop experiencing dizziness after surgery. It has been about two weeks since the operation, and I can walk a little, but I still feel dizzy after si...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Dizziness is not necessarily caused by hydrocephalus, and dizziness may not improve after surgery. Please consult the surgeon to determine the cause of the dizziness.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery for Hydrocephalus Patients: Managing Dizziness


Post-Surgery Falls in Hydrocephalus Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Postoperative falls in patients with hydrocephalus? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. She underwent surgery for hydrocephalus on June 7, and today, June 16, she fell in the bathroom and hit her head. However, the impact was not on the surgical site, which is on the left...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
If the patient is alert and shows no neurological deficits, observation is sufficient. If any issues arise, promptly refer to a neurosurgery outpatient clinic or the emergency department.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Falls in Hydrocephalus Patients: When to Seek Medical Attention?


Understanding Hydrocephalus: Why Spinal Drainage May Fail

Cerebral edema with inadequate drainage? The mother underwent a CT scan and was diagnosed with cerebral edema. The doctor arranged for spinal drainage, but was unable to extract any fluid. Is this due to obstruction or are there other factors involved?


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Cerebral edema cannot be drained, while hydrocephalus can.

[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Why Spinal Drainage May Fail


Challenges in Managing Hydrocephalus: When Shunt Drainage Fails

The patient has symptoms of hydrocephalus and has had a shunt installed. The drainage is set to maximum, but the results are not satisfactory? Dear Dr. Zhang, My mother is 67 years old. In 2018, she underwent surgery for a carotid artery aneurysm that was compressing her brainst...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed examination reports and imaging studies, it is difficult to answer such questions. If the drainage has been maximized and the condition has not improved, it may not be a problem related to hydrocephalus. Whether there is an improvement in hydrocephalus can be det...

[Read More] Challenges in Managing Hydrocephalus: When Shunt Drainage Fails


Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?

In cases of severe head trauma from a car accident where the patient has been in a coma for several months, is it necessary to first repair the skull? My mother is in her 50s and was involved in a serious car accident in mid-October, resulting in severe head trauma and coma, alon...


Dr. Zhao Shaoqing Reply:
Hello: For general traumatic brain injuries, early assessment and reduction of swelling are important. If possible, skull fractures can be repaired early, which can be beneficial for brain recovery. You may want to consult with a neurosurgeon for evaluation at Changhua Hospital, ...

[Read More] Should Skull Reconstruction Be Done for Comatose Patients After Severe Head Injury?


Understanding Post-Coma Care Options After Brain Hemorrhage

Subsequent Issues Following Coma Due to Cerebral Hemorrhage Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother, who is 83 years old. A month ago, she suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in the right hemisphere of her brain that nearly crossed the midline. She underwent an em...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without detailed medical history, it is difficult to provide an answer. However, if the condition is severe enough that the physician determines there is no possibility of recovery, and the family agrees not to pursue aggressive treatment, then performing a drainage procedure may...

[Read More] Understanding Post-Coma Care Options After Brain Hemorrhage


Understanding Hydrocephalus: What to Do When Vision is Affected

My sister has hydrocephalus and is unable to see? Doctor, my sister has hydrocephalus and her vision is currently at 0.1. She has undergone a drainage surgery, but she still cannot see. What should we do? Thank you.


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Neurosurgical treatment.

[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: What to Do When Vision is Affected


Understanding Hydrocephalus Diagnosis and Lumbar Surgery Concerns

Diagnosis of hydrocephalus and issues related to lumbar abdominal surgery? Hello, Doctor. My mother has been experiencing frequent falls over the past two years, with two incidents where she hit the back of her head. For the past six months, she has felt weakness in her legs, and...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
A lumbar drainage test can confirm whether the symptoms are caused by hydrocephalus.

[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus Diagnosis and Lumbar Surgery Concerns


Understanding Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options for Severe Cases in Elderly Patients

Hydrocephalus, resulting in complete body paralysis and loss of consciousness? My mother is 84 years old. In early May of this year, she underwent surgery for a brain hemorrhage at Shin Kong Hospital. After being discharged, she had a urinary catheter in place, was conscious, and...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a detailed physical examination and imaging reports, it is not possible to answer such questions online. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus: Treatment Options for Severe Cases in Elderly Patients


Understanding Brain Edema and Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Dilemma

Cerebral edema and spinal surgery? Hello: Eight months ago, a neurosurgeon told my mother that she had cerebral edema and needed surgery. At that time, my mother (80 years old) showed no symptoms, so we did not take it seriously. Now she is walking unsteadily and appears to be be...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Without a complete physical assessment, this question cannot be answered.

[Read More] Understanding Brain Edema and Spinal Surgery: A Patient's Dilemma


Optimal Timing for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know

Hydrocephalus: Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the optimal timing for surgery in cases of hydrocephalus. I have seen information suggesting that it should be addressed as soon as possible, but due to the need to arrange for hospitalization, it has been three weeks and my ...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
There are varying degrees of water accumulation, but it is still recommended to address it as soon as possible.

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know


Managing Headaches After Shunt Placement in Hydrocephalus Patients

The installation of a drainage catheter for hydrocephalus may cause headaches? Hello Doctor, my daughter was born with hydrocephalus, and a drainage tube was placed on the left side of her head. She is currently in the ninth grade and has been complaining of headaches since recei...


Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The key is to clarify the cause of the pain: is it due to headaches caused by hydrocephalus, or is it pain resulting from the tension of the drainage catheter?

[Read More] Managing Headaches After Shunt Placement in Hydrocephalus Patients


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