Question
Doctor, what are some effective treatment methods for pediatric hydrocephalus and diplegia?
Answer
Pediatric hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between the production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The incidence rate in infancy is approximately 3‰, with simple congenital hydrocephalus accounting for 0.9‰ to 1.5‰ and those with overt spina bifida accounting for 1.3‰ to 2.9‰. Clinical manifestations in infancy include the gradual enlargement of the head within a few weeks or months after birth, an imbalance in the growth ratio of head to trunk, an oversized and heavy head, thin skull bones, glossy scalp, dilated superficial veins, an unsuitable ratio of head to face, a large head with a small face, prominent forehead, and a pointed chin. When intracranial pressure increases, symptoms such as vomiting may occur. Since infants cannot speak, they often express discomfort by scratching their heads, shaking their heads, or crying. In severe cases, symptoms such as drowsiness may also appear. Treatment should be initiated as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed. For mild patients, conservative treatment is usually adopted. For patients with moderate to severe cases without severe intellectual disabilities, aggressive treatment measures are required.