Question
When standing, one foot is on the ground and the other foot’s toe touches the ground. After the doctor’s recommendation, I received treatment for three months at a brain palsy rehabilitation center. Now I can sit for a short while and both feet can stand, but not for long, with a slight bow-legged appearance. Intellectually, there are no problems, and I can express my needs when I see something I want. Do I still need treatment?
Answer
External hydrocephalus refers to an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space of the brain. This condition can be caused by pathological factors such as meningitis, inflammation, or hemorrhage, leading to excessive fluid accumulation between the skull and brain tissue. Normally, there is a certain amount of fluid in the subarachnoid space, but this amount remains stable under the dynamic balance of secretion and excretion. However, if there are pathological conditions such as meningitis, inflammation, or hemorrhage, the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid may increase, and it may lead to fluid retention in the subarachnoid space. In addition, when frontal lobe atrophy or dysfunction develops, secondary cerebrospinal fluid may also increase with the widening of the gap between the brain and skull. External hydrocephalus is different from congenital or inflammatory hydrocephalus; it refers to an increase in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid. According to your description, you have received treatment for three months at a brain palsy rehabilitation center. During the treatment process, your ability to stand has improved, although you can only stand for a short time and there is a bow-legged appearance. Intellectually, there are no issues, and you can express your needs when you see something you want. Whether further treatment is needed currently requires continuous observation and evaluation to determine whether the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. It is recommended that you follow your doctor’s advice and regularly undergo rehabilitation evaluations to adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner. Note: The above information is provided for general guidance only; specific treatment plans should be formulated based on your specific circumstances and professional medical advice.