Primary treatment for non-communicating hydrocephalus?

Primary treatment for non-communicating hydrocephalus?

• A. Shunt placement or surgery
• B. Antibiotic therapy
• C. Observation
• D. Physical therapy

Answer: (A)

Non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus happens when a blockage inside the ventricles prevents CSF from flowing normally, so pressure builds and the ventricles dilate. The primary treatment is to relieve the obstruction and divert CSF to reduce intracranial pressure. This is achieved with surgical intervention, most commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that channels CSF from the blocked ventricle to another body cavity, or, when appropriate, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy to bypass the blockage. These approaches directly address the blocked CSF pathway and reduce ventricular enlargement. Antibiotic therapy wouldn’t fix the mechanical blockage unless there’s an associated infection. Observation lets pressure rise and brain tissue suffer damage, so it’s not appropriate as the main treatment. Physical therapy helps with rehabilitation but does not resolve the root problem of CSF accumulation.

Non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus happens when a blockage inside the ventricles prevents CSF from flowing normally, so pressure builds and the ventricles dilate. The primary treatment is to relieve the obstruction and divert CSF to reduce intracranial pressure. This is achieved with surgical intervention, most commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt that channels CSF from the blocked ventricle to another body cavity, or, when appropriate, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy to bypass the blockage. These approaches directly address the blocked CSF pathway and reduce ventricular enlargement.

Antibiotic therapy wouldn’t fix the mechanical blockage unless there’s an associated infection. Observation lets pressure rise and brain tissue suffer damage, so it’s not appropriate as the main treatment. Physical therapy helps with rehabilitation but does not resolve the root problem of CSF accumulation.