Dilatation of the ventricular system of the brain Komarovsky. Enlarged ventricles of the brain in infants: causes and what to do

Ultrasound examination allows you to study the work and structure internal organs. By reflecting the waves, the finished data is sent to the monitor. Ultrasound of the brain in infants is a mandatory preventive examination procedure. Thanks to the data obtained, it is possible to judge the structure of the brain and its functioning. vascular system. The examination is carried out quickly and painlessly and does not pose any danger to the child..

NSG (neurosonography) allows you to determine disturbances in the functioning and structure of all brain structures, as well as evaluate the functioning of the central nervous system.

NSG is carried out through the fontanel, which is located between the unfused bones of the skull. Thanks to this, the result will be accurate and correct. The fontanel is soft to the touch, pulsation is palpable. Normally it should be at the level of the surface of the head. Swelling indicates health problems.

The NSG procedure does not require additional preparation - it is enough to free the child’s head from the cap. The result is not affected in any way by the child’s condition, even if he cries, is capricious, or calmly examines the situation. The procedure is also carried out when the child is sleeping.

What is the reason for this study?

Ultrasound is a mandatory scheduled procedure every month. In other cases, indications for performing NSG before the first month of life are the following cases:

In one month mandatory NSG is performed in the following cases:

• children who were born with the help caesarean section;
• irregular head shape;
• conduct research to monitor the condition;
• with developmental disorders such as torticollis, strabismus, paralysis;

For children older than one month, NSG is performed for the following indications:

• evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for injuries or neurological diseases brain;
• after infectious diseases (encephalitis, meningitis);
• genetic and gene disorders;
• head injury.

In some cases, an MRI of the brain is indicated, which is performed under anesthesia.

Interpretation of the results obtained during the survey

The results will depend on many factors - due date, birth weight. The norm for all children of different months of life is the following parameters.

1. All parts of the brain should be symmetrical in size and homogeneous in composition.
2. The furrows and convolutions have clear contours.
3. There is no fluid in the interhemispheric fissure, and its dimensions do not exceed 3 mm.
4. The choroid plexuses of the ventricles are hyperechoic and homogeneous.
5. The normal size of the lateral ventricles is: anterior horns - up to 4 mm, occipital horns - 15 mm, body - up to 4 mm. The third and fourth ventricle – up to 4 mm.
6. The norm for a large tank is up to 10 mm.
7. There should be no seals, cysts or neoplasms.
8. The membranes of the brain are unchanged.
9. The normal size of the subarachnoid space does not exceed 3 mm. If it is greater, and an increase in temperature and frequent regurgitation are observed, then a disease such as meningitis can be suspected. If there are no associated symptoms, all other examinations are normal, perhaps this phenomenon is temporary.

The ventricular cavity should not be enlarged. Their increase indicates diseases such as hydrocephalus and rickets. During hydrocephalus in a child big head, swollen fontanel. This violation causes frequent headaches, mental and physical underdevelopment.

The contents of the lateral ventricles (right and left) is cerebrospinal fluid. With the help of special holes they are connected to the third ventricle. There is also a fourth ventricle, which is located between the cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

The connection occurs in the lateral ventricles cerebrospinal fluid, after which it moves into the subarachnoid space. If such an outflow is disrupted for some reason, hydrocephalus occurs.

Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles (dilatation) is observed when the amount of fluid increases. The disease can be diagnosed in children who are born ahead of schedule, since their lateral ventricles are larger.

If asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is detected on the NSG, the size is measured and the quantitative and qualitative characteristics are determined.

The main reasons due to which the ventricular cavity expands include hydrocephalus, trauma to the skull and brain, damage to the central nervous system and other malformations of newborns.

A septum pellucida cyst is usually detected at birth. The transparent septum is a thin plate consisting of brain tissue. Between these plates there is a cavity resembling a gap. A septum pellucida cyst is a cavity filled with fluid. The cavity accumulates and begins to compress neighboring tissues and vessels.

A cyst of the septum pellucidum is detected on NSG in almost all premature infants. After some time it may disappear. If a septum pellucida cyst was detected immediately after birth, then in most cases a special drug therapy not prescribed.

In the event that a cyst of the transparent septum occurs due to injury, inflammation or infectious disease, required immediate treatment. May occur associated symptoms(head pain, visual and hearing impairment).

During NSG, which is carried out every month after detection of a disorder, the dynamics of the development and growth of the cyst of the transparent septum are determined. Depending on the growth rate and the cause of the cyst, it will depend further treatment. Basically, drugs are prescribed that free up this brain cavity.

If any violations were discovered during the NSG, a decision may be made to medically disqualify all vaccinations. Vaccinations can worsen the condition, so after the examination you should visit a neurologist.

A neurologist interprets and clarifies the diagnosis. Only he can prescribe the correct treatment and observe the development of the disease over time. He will also prevent possible complications and prevent other disorders.

Before answering the question why the ventricles of a child’s brain are enlarged, you should have an idea of ​​what these ventricles are.
The cerebral ventricles are the whole system, interconnected cavities in the brain, necessary for the deposition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What are they?

Lateral ventricles . They are the same containers in the brain intended for depositing cerebrospinal fluid. In size, the lateral ventricles are superior to all others. The ventricle located on the left side is designated as the first, and the one located on the right is designated the second. Both lateral ventricles communicate with the third ventricle using special (Monroy) foramina. The location of these ventricles are the lateral sides, slightly lower corpus callosum. The lateral ventricles contain the anterior, posterior, inferior horns and body.

Fourth ventricle. It is a very important formation of the brain, and is located between the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum. In terms of its structure, the fourth ventricle looks like a rhombus, but many associate its shape with the shape of a tent with a roof and bottom. The very bottom of the fourth ventricle has diamond shape, that’s why it’s called the diamond-shaped fossa. This anatomical formation is located spinal canal, as well as a channel connecting the fourth ventricle with the aqueduct.

In addition to the storage function, the cerebral ventricles also perform a formative function, namely the formation of cerebrospinal fluid. Normally, the synthesized cerebrospinal fluid should exit into the subarachnoid space, but there are situations when this process fails. If the body's normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles is disrupted, the condition is called hydrocephalus.

What does ventricular dilatation mean in a child?

You should not always panic if such a condition occurs. An increase in the size of the ventricles of the brain in a child does not always signal the presence of a pathological process. This process may be physiologically determined, and it only means that the child simply has large size heads. Enlargement of the ventricles of the brain is not uncommon in children under the first year of life. In this case, it is imperative to establish the sizes of not only all ventricles, but also the remaining liquor systems.
Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid is the basis of why the ventricles of the brain may be enlarged in an infant or child early age. Disruption of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid can be caused by a certain obstacle in the way of its exit.

A condition such as enlargement of the ventricles of the brain in a child is most often observed in children born prematurely. This is due to the fact that in such children the sizes of the lateral ventricles are comparatively larger than in children born according to their term. If there is a suspicion of enlargement or asymmetry of the lateral ventricles, it is necessary to measure them and determine their qualitative characteristics. Let us consider in more detail the conditions in which an increase in the size of the ventricles of the brain in children is possible.

Ventriculomegaly

This pathology means an enlargement of the cavities of the cerebral ventricles, as a result of which a number of disorders of the functions of the central nervous system develop. Most often, this pathology affects the lateral ventricles of the brain.

Types of ventriculomegaly

According to severity, this disease can be divided into severe, moderate and light form. Depending on the location of the pathological process, ventriculomegaly is divided into the following types:

• Side shape. With this form, the lateral and posterior ventricle enlarges.
• Type No. 4. Affects the area of ​​the cerebellum and medulla oblongata.
• Type No. 3. The pathological process is localized in the area between the visual hillocks and the frontal part.

Why does it occur

The main reason for the development of this process is chromosome abnormalities in the body of a pregnant woman. Secondary causes of the development of the disease include all kinds of infections.

Main symptoms

Such a complex pathology can cause the child to develop Turner and Down syndromes. Moreover, ventriculomegaly affects the structure of the brain and heart.

Diagnostics

Determined pathological increase ventricles of the brain using ultrasound diagnostics of the brain.

Treatment

The key point in the treatment of this pathology is the maximum prevention of the development possible complications from organs and systems. First of all, it is carried out drug therapy which includes taking diuretics, vitamin preparations and antihypoxants. Additional methods include massage and special physiotherapy. To prevent the development of serious neurological complications, it is recommended to take drugs that retain potassium ions in the child’s body.

One more cannot be ruled out. possible variant pathology in which the ventricles of the brain in an infant will be dilated, namely hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome (HHS).

What is

This syndrome refers to a condition characterized by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid, which tends to accumulate under the membranes of the brain and in its ventricles. In terms of frequency of occurrence, hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome is quite rare pathology, and needs serious justification.

What is it like?

Classify this pathology according to the age of the children, and the HGS of newborn children and older children are distinguished.

Why does it occur

All causes of the appearance of HGS can be divided into congenital and acquired. TO congenital reasons can be attributed:

• Complicated course of pregnancy followed by complicated childbirth.
• Damage to a child's brain due to intrauterine oxygen starvation, developmental defects and birth trauma.
• Childbirth before the due date.
• Intrapartum trauma followed by hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space.
• Any intrauterine infections.
• Anomalies of brain development.
• Late birth.
• Long period of time between departures amniotic fluid and expulsion of the fetus.
• Some chronic diseases mother.

Acquired causes of HGS include:

• Any tumor formations of the brain (cysts, hematomas, abscesses).
• Availability foreign body in the brain.
• Fractures of the cranial bones with subsequent penetration of bone particles into the brain.
• Infectious diseases.
• Unknown cause of HGS.

How does the disease manifest itself?

At the core of everything clinical picture Hypertension-hydrocephalic syndrome is based on the following factors:

• Promotion intracranial pressure(hypertension).
• An increase in the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain (hydrocephalus).

In newborns, HGS can be suspected by a number of the following signs:

• The child refuses breastfeeding, cries and is capricious for no particular reason.
• Overall muscle tone decreases.
• Shaking (tremor) of the upper lower limbs.
• All innate reflexes, such as swallowing and grasping, are sharply reduced.
• There is frequent regurgitation.
• Strabismus develops.
• During medical examination the child may have a symptom rising sun when the child’s iris is half covered by the lower eyelid.
• There is a divergence of the cranial sutures, in particular the sagittal one.
• The fontanelles are tense and bulging.
• Every month there is a pathological increase in head circumference.
• During fundus examination, swelling of the optic discs is clearly visible.

In older children, the manifestation of symptoms of HGS develops immediately after the infectious process or traumatic brain injury.
Most characteristic feature enlargement of the ventricles of the brain in a child and the development of the HGS, is the appearance of a headache, which most often appears in the morning. Also characteristic constant nausea and vomiting. Headache has a pressing or bursting nature, and is localized in the temples or forehead.

Often such children complain about the inability to raise their eyes up and at the same time lower their heads down. Cases of dizziness are also common. During characteristic attacks, the child's skin becomes pale and appears general weakness and reluctance to do anything. Loud sounds And bright light, for such children are strong irritants.

Because of increased tone in the muscles of the lower extremities, such children can walk on their toes, they develop strabismus, it is noted increased drowsiness and slowing of psychomotor development.

How to diagnose

In general, carry out accurate diagnosis hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome, and it is quite difficult to understand whether the ventricle of the brain is really enlarged in a newborn. Not always, even the most latest methods diagnostics allow us to diagnose this diagnosis with 100% accuracy. In children in the neonatal period, the main diagnostic criteria are indicators of head circumference and control of reflexes. To others diagnostic measures can be attributed:

• Condition assessment vascular network fundus for swelling, hemorrhage or spasm.
• Carrying out neurosonography to determine the size of the ventricles of the brain.
• MRI and computed tomography of the brain.
• Lumbar puncture to determine cerebrospinal fluid pressure. This method is the most reliable.

Treatment Options

The treatment of this pathology should be carried out by a neuropathologist together with a neurosurgeon. Children with this syndrome should be under constant medical supervision to avoid possible complications and worsening of the condition. In newborns up to six months, enlargement of the ventricles of the brain and the HPA is treated on an outpatient basis. To the main therapeutic measures can be attributed:

• Taking diuretics (diuretics), as well as medicines, reducing the production of cerebrospinal fluid (Diacarb).
• Inclusion of nootropic drugs in therapy. This group drugs improves blood supply to the brain.
• Taking sedatives.
• Special gymnastics and massage.

Treatment of infants is long-term and serious. Sometimes this takes several months.

In older children, treatment of HGS is pathogenetic in nature, and the selection of therapy is carried out according to the cause that caused it. this syndrome. If the disease occurs after past infection, then the therapy necessarily includes taking antibacterial or antiviral drugs.
If the cause of HGS is a traumatic brain injury or a tumor process, then surgical intervention cannot be ruled out.

Possible complications

A condition such as hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome can cause a number of complications from various organs and systems. Such complications include:

• Delayed psychomotor development.
• Complete or partial blindness.
• Persistent hearing impairment up to deafness.
• Development of coma.
• Complete or partial paralysis.
• Abnormal bulging of the fontanel.
• Development of epilepsy attacks.
• Incontinence of feces and urine.
• Fatal outcome.

The prognosis for children during infancy is considered to be most favorable. This is due to periodic increases in blood and intracranial pressure, which return to normal with age. For older children, the prognosis is less favorable, and depends solely on the cause that led to the development of HGS, as well as the approach to treatment.

Neurosonography (NSG) is a term applied to the study of the brain of a young child: a newborn and an infant until the fontanel closes using ultrasound.

Neurosonography, or ultrasound of the child’s brain, can be prescribed by a pediatrician at the maternity hospital or a neurologist at a children’s clinic in the 1st month of life as part of screening. In the future, according to indications, it is carried out on the 3rd month, on the 6th month and until the fontanelle closes.

As a procedure, neurosonography (ultrasound) is one of the most safe methods research, however, it should be carried out strictly as prescribed by the doctor, because ultrasonic waves can have thermal effect on body tissue.

On this moment no negative consequences In children, the neurosonography procedure did not reveal any. The examination itself does not take much time and lasts up to 10 minutes, and it is completely painless. Timely neurosonography can save the health and sometimes even the life of a child.

Indications for neurosonography

The reasons for requiring ultrasound scanning in the maternity hospital are varied. The main ones are:

• fetal hypoxia;
• asphyxia of newborns;
• difficult labor (accelerated/prolonged, with the use of obstetric aids);
• intrauterine fetal infection;
• birth injuries of newborns;
• infectious diseases of the mother during pregnancy;
• Rhesus conflict;
• C-section;
• examination of premature newborns;
• detection of fetal pathology on ultrasound during pregnancy;
• less than 7 points on the Apgar scale in the delivery room;
• retraction/protrusion of the fontanelle in newborns;
• suspicion of chromosomal pathologies (according to a screening study during pregnancy).

Indications for ultrasound examination within a month:

• suspicion of ICP;
• congenital Apert syndrome;
• with epileptiform activity (NSH is additional method head diagnostics);
• signs of strabismus and diagnosis of cerebral palsy;
• head circumference is not normal (symptoms of hydrocephalus/dropsy);
• hyperactivity syndrome;
• injuries to the child's head;
• delay in the development of the infant's psychomotor skills;
• sepsis;
• cerebral ischemia;
• infectious diseases (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.);
• rickety shape of the body and head;
• CNS disorders due to a viral infection;
• suspicion of neoplasms (cyst, tumor);
• genetic developmental abnormalities;
• monitoring the condition of premature babies, etc.

Preparation and method of conducting the study

Neurosonography does not require preliminary preparation. The baby should not be hungry or thirsty. If the baby falls asleep, there is no need to wake him up; this is even welcome: it is easier to ensure that the head remains still. The results of neurosonography are issued 1-2 minutes after the completion of the ultrasound.

You can take baby milk and a diaper with you to place your newborn baby on the couch. Before the NSG procedure, there is no need to apply creams or ointments to the fontanel area, even if there are indications for this. This worsens the contact of the sensor with the skin and also negatively affects the visualization of the organ being studied.

The procedure is no different from any ultrasound. A newborn or infant is placed on a couch, the place where the skin comes into contact with the sensor is lubricated with a special gel substance, after which the doctor performs neurosonorgraphy.

Access to brain structures with ultrasound is possible through the large fontanelle, thin temple bone, antero- and posterolateral fontanelles, as well as the foramen magnum. In a child born at term, the small lateral fontanelles are closed, but the bone is thin and permeable to ultrasound. Interpretation of neurosonography data is carried out by a qualified physician.

Normal NSG results and interpretation

Interpretation of diagnostic results consists of describing certain structures, their symmetry and echogenicity of tissues. Normally, in a child of any age, the brain structures should be symmetrical, homogeneous, and have appropriate echogenicity. In the neurosonography transcript, the doctor describes:

• symmetry of brain structures - symmetrical/asymmetrical;
• visualization of grooves and convolutions (must be clearly visualized);
• condition, shape and location of the cerebellar structures (tentory);
• condition of the medullary falx (thin hyperechoic stripe);
• presence/absence of fluid in the interhemispheric fissure (fluid should be absent);
• homogeneity/heterogeneity and symmetry/asymmetry of the ventricles;
• condition of the cerebellar tentorium (tent);
• absence/presence of formations (cyst, tumor, developmental anomaly, change in structure medulla, hematoma, fluid, etc.);
• the state of the vascular bundles (normally they are hyperechoic).

Table with standards for neurosonography indicators from 0 to 3 months:

The structures should not contain inclusions (cyst, tumor, fluid), ischemic foci, hematomas, developmental anomalies, etc. The transcript also contains the dimensions of the described brain structures. At the age of 3 months, the doctor pays more attention to describing those indicators that should normally change.

Pathologies detected using neurosonography

Based on the results of neurosonography, a specialist can identify possible violations baby's development, as well as pathological processes: neoplasms, hematomas, cysts:

1. Choroid plexus cyst (does not require intervention, asymptomatic), usually there are several of them. These are small bubble formations containing liquid - liquor. Self-dissolving.
2. Subependymal cysts. Formations whose contents are liquid. They occur as a result of hemorrhage and can occur pre- and postpartum. Such cysts require observation and, possibly, treatment, since they can increase in size (due to failure to eliminate the causes that caused them, which may be hemorrhage or ischemia).
3. Arachnoid cyst ( arachnoid). They require treatment, observation by a neurologist and control. They can be located anywhere in the arachnoid membrane, can grow, and are cavities containing liquid. Self-resorption does not occur.
4. Hydrocephalus/dropsy of the brain is a lesion that results in dilatation of the ventricles of the brain, as a result of which fluid accumulates in them. This condition requires treatment, observation, and control of the NSG over the course of the disease.
5. Ischemic lesions also require mandatory therapy and dynamic control studies using NSG.
6. Hematomas of brain tissue, hemorrhages into the ventricular space. Diagnosed in premature babies. In full-term babies this is alarming symptom, require compulsory treatment, control and surveillance.
7. Hypertension syndrome is, in fact, an increase in intracranial pressure. Is very a worrying sign a significant shift in the position of any hemisphere, both in premature and full-term babies. This occurs under the influence of foreign formations - cysts, tumors, hematomas. However, in most cases, this syndrome is associated with an excess amount of accumulated fluid (CSF) in the brain space.

If any pathology is detected by ultrasound, you should contact special centers. This will help you get qualified advice, make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment regimen for your child.

There are a number anatomical features human brain. In some cases, some nuances of its structure that differ from the norm are considered physiological and do not require treatment.

However, certain deviations from the norm can cause the development neurological pathologies. One such condition is asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain. This disease may not cause clinical symptoms, but in some cases it indicates the presence of a number of diseases.

What are the ventricles of the brain, their role

The ventricles of the brain are strips of tissue necessary for the deposition of cerebrospinal fluid. External and internal factors may lead to their increase in volume. The lateral ventricles are the largest. These formations are involved in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid.

Asymmetry is a condition in which one or both cavities are enlarged to varying degrees.

Types of ventricles:

1. Lateral. The ventricles are the most voluminous, and they contain cerebrospinal fluid. They connect to the third ventricle via the interventricular foramina.
2. Third. Located between the visual tuberosities. Its walls are filled with gray matter.
3. Fourth. Located between the cerebellum and medulla oblongata.

Causes of dilatation

Enlargement or dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain occurs due to increased output cerebrospinal fluid. This leads to the fact that it cannot be excreted normally.

This, in turn, leads to disruption of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This disease most often occurs in premature babies, but is observed in people of any age.

What causes the disorder in newborns?

This is how dilatation of the lateral ventricles looks schematically

Dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain in infants is often a sign, and can also be caused by a number of other reasons.

In newborns, asymmetry is caused by trauma or space-occupying lesions in the brain. Regardless possible reason, an urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon is required.

Asymmetry in mild form May be congenital pathology which does not cause symptoms. In this case, you only need constant control so that the difference between the ventricles does not change.

The main causes of dilatation include:

• viral and other diseases of a woman during pregnancy;
• oxygen starvation of the fetus;
• premature birth;
• birth injuries;
• malformations of the central nervous system.

Ventricular asymmetry can also result from hemorrhage. This pathology occurs due to compression of one of the ventricles by an additional volume of blood. Due to hemorrhage, the ventricles of the brain in an infant may be enlarged for the following reasons:

• various maternal diseases, for example, type I diabetes or heart defects;
• intrauterine infections;
• a long time between the water breaking and the baby being born.

The most common cause of dilatation is hypoxia. Other causes account for less than 1% of cases. This leads to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which, in turn,... This leads to expansion of the cavity of the lateral ventricles.

Risk zone for adult patients

A change in the size of the lateral ventricles leads to disruption of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain in adults occurs for the following reasons:

• difficulty in the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid;
• excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid;
• skull injuries;
• vascular thrombosis.

Provoking diseases

The main disease causing this pathology is hydrocephalus. It can interfere with the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. This leads to its accumulation in the lateral ventricles.

Excessive formation of cerebrospinal fluid is also observed with serious lesions of the central nervous system. Poor circulation is also associated with the formation of cysts, tumors and other neoplasms.

A common cause of hydrocephalus is a defect of the Sylvian aqueduct. If this vice was discovered during the intrauterine period of development, termination of pregnancy is recommended. At the birth of a child, complex systematic treatment will be required.

Another reason is the aneurysm of the vein of Galev and. However, in children, the disease can be caused by rickets or due to the specific structure of the skull, so observation by a specialist is important if there is a predisposition to the disease.

Symptoms and diagnosis of the disorder

In adults, ventricular asymmetry rarely causes symptoms. However, in some cases, this anomaly can cause the following symptoms:

In addition to these symptoms, the picture of the disease can be supplemented by symptoms of diseases that caused ventricular asymmetry.

Such symptoms include cognitive impairment or sensory disturbances.

In infants, symptoms depend on the severity of the pathology. In addition to general discomfort, symptoms such as throwing back the head, regurgitation, increased head size and others may occur.

Symptoms of the pathology also include strabismus, refusal to breastfeeding, frequent crying, anxiety, tremor, decreased muscle tone.

However, quite often the pathology does not cause characteristic symptoms, and can only be identified after carrying out.

Health care

Dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain itself does not require treatment. It is prescribed only in the presence of symptoms characteristic of the pathology. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the disease that is causing the dilatation.

The following drugs are used to treat ventricular asymmetry:

• diuretics;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• vasoactive drugs;
• neuroprotectors
• sedatives;
• if the disease is caused by infections, antibacterial agents are prescribed.

If the pathology is caused by a cyst or tumor, their removal is required. If the patient's condition quickly deteriorates, an operation is performed to form a new connection of the ventricular system, which will bypass the anomaly.

Most often, ventricular dilatation occurs in infants. In the absence of timely and competent therapy, dilatation may persist and even worsen. With mild dilatation and the absence of obvious symptoms, the condition does not require special treatment. All that is required is constant monitoring of the size of the asymmetry, as well as general condition child.

In the event that the disease is caused by injury, violation intrauterine development, infection or tumor, requires constant monitoring of the patient, treatment of symptoms, and, if possible, elimination of the causes of the pathology.

The child is treated by a neurologist together with a neurosurgeon. To minimize the risk of complications, a child with this diagnosis should be constantly monitored by doctors. Most often, diuretics are prescribed for treatment, which promote the production of cerebrospinal fluid, which puts pressure on the lateral ventricles.

Massage, therapeutic exercises and other methods are required. Infants with this diagnosis are observed on an outpatient basis. Treatment of the pathology may take several months.

Older children are treated depending on the cause of the pathology. An appointment is scheduled antimicrobials, if the cause of asymmetry is a brain infection. In this case, surgery is prescribed.

Mild pathology most often does not cause any symptoms. IN in rare cases there may be a slight delay motor sphere, however, it also goes away completely over time. A severe form of the pathology can result in high intracranial pressure.

Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles of the brain is not the most dangerous, but it requires attention pathology that occurs in people of any age.

If you encounter this problem, you should visit experienced specialist, who will prescribe the appropriate tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment consists of eliminating the cause of dilatation, as well as reducing intracranial pressure.

This article will be relevant for parents whose children have been diagnosed with ventricular enlargement

The ventricles are a system of anastomizing cavities that communicate with the spinal cord canal.

The human brain contains structures that contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These structures are the largest in the ventricular system.

They can be divided into the following types:

• Lateral;
• Third;
• Fourth.

The lateral ventricles are designed to store cerebrospinal fluid. Compared to the third and fourth, they are the largest among them. By left side there is a ventricle, which can be called the first, according to right side- second. Both ventricles work with the third ventricle.

The ventricle, called the fourth, is one of the the most important formations. The fourth ventricle contains the spinal canal. It appears to be diamond-shaped.

• Decreased appetite, it often happens that the child refuses breastfeeding.
• Muscle tone is reduced.
• Tremors of the upper and lower extremities appear.
• A distinct manifestation of veins on the forehead, the cause is from the cranial cavity.
• Swallowing and grasping abilities are reduced.
• High likelihood of developing strabismus.
• Disproportionality of the head.
• Frequent regurgitation due to high blood pressure cerebrospinal fluid.

A characteristic sign of ventricular enlargement and the development of hypertensive-hydrocephalic syndrome (HHS) manifests itself in a headache that begins in the morning on the left or right. Often the baby feels sick and vomits.

The child often complains of the inability to raise his eyes and lower his head, dizziness and weakness appear, and the skin begins to turn pale.

Diagnostic methods

It is very difficult to determine whether a baby’s ventricle is enlarged. Diagnostics does not provide a 100% guarantee that the diagnosis can be determined, even using the latest methods.

Closing of the fontanelles occurs in, after which the change in the size of the cerebrospinal fluid is monitored.

The following types of diagnostics include the following:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging. It identifies problems in soft tissue structures quite well.
2. The condition of the fundus is assessed for the presence of edema or hemorrhage.
3. Neurosonography. It is carried out to determine the size of the ventricles (both left and right).
4. Lumbar puncture.
5. CT scan.

The problem with diagnosing a newborn using MRI is that the baby needs to lie quietly for about 20-25 minutes. Since this task is almost impossible for a baby, doctors have to introduce the child into artificial sleep. At the same time, on this procedure are coming

Therefore, most often, when diagnosing the size of the ventricles of the brain, they resort to computed tomography. At the same time, the quality of diagnosis is slightly lower than using MRI.

A violation is considered if the ventricles have a norm different from 1 to 4 mm.

Treatment

Enlarged ventricles are not always a reason to sound the alarm. When the ventricles of the brain are enlarged, this may be a case of individual and physiological development baby's brain system. For example, for large babies this is the norm.

Also, in treatment of this disease will be ineffective: acupuncture, herbal treatment, homeopathy, vitamin therapy.

First of all, in the treatment of dilatation of the lateral ventricles in a child is to prevent the development of possible complications in the child.

Possible consequences of HGS

The hypertensive-hydrocephalic condition often causes a number of serious complications, these include:

• Falling into a coma;
• Development of complete or partial blindness;
• Deafness;
• Death.

Ventricular enlargement in newborns, as a diagnosis, has a higher chance of a favorable outcome than in older children, due to increased arterial and intracranial pressure, which returns to normal as they grow older.

The expansion of the lateral ventricles has adverse consequences and primarily depend on the cause of the development of HGS.

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Conclusion

Dilatation in newborns should not be considered an anomaly in the development of the baby. It is rare that serious medical assistance is required. A complete and final diagnosis that will establish qualified specialist– neurologist, will reflect full picture diseases.

Therefore, observation and consultation with a specialist are necessary so that your child does not suffer any complications.