Intracranial pressure is the ratio of the brain and cerebral fluid (CSF). An increase in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the interstitial space causes an increase in intracranial pressure, which is manifested by a violation of the human nervous system, vegetative reactions, changes in muscle tone, and so on.
In addition to the fact that manifestations of changes in intracranial pressure are quite unpleasant and interfere with normal life, an increase in this indicator usually indicates the presence of any disease or disorder. Changes in intracranial pressure in a child can hamper his psychophysical development, so if abnormalities are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin appropriate treatment.
The causes of increased intracranial pressure in children
Increase in intracranial pressure in a child can be either short-term (due to low atmospheric pressure or ARI, for example), and prolonged (in case of serious reasons).
Causes of long-term disturbances in the balance of cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral matter can be:
- craniocerebral trauma (in childbirth, with bruises and falls);
- infections (encephalitis and meningitis);
- pathology of the walls of the vessels, which leads to violations in the movement of cerebrospinal fluid from the vessels to the brain and back;
- blockage of the outflow pathway of the cerebrospinal fluid (eg, in brain tumors);
- hypoxia;
- intoxication (poisoning of various kinds);
- immaturity of the nervous system (a frequent cause of increased intracranial pressure in children up to a year).
Signs of increased intracranial pressure in children
Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in children include such manifestations as:
- headache;
- pain behind the eye sockets;
- circles under the eyes;
- bifurcation of visual images;
- nervousness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- poor memory and reduced concentration of attention.
Also for diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure in a child, in addition to a neurological examination, can recommend MRI of the brain, examination of the fundus, radiography of the skull bones, lumbar puncture.
Since children under one year can not share their experiences and talk about what exactly they are worried about, in addition to diagnosing changes in pressure in the brain using ultrasound (neurosonography) through the unclosed fontanel. Indirect symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in infants include the expansion of the cavities of the ventricles of the brain, revealed in the course of ultrasound, an increase in their septa.
Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure in a nursing baby is the absence of certain reflexes or the presence of pathological ones. Similarly, the uneven tone of the child's body, his lethargy or, conversely, hypertonicity, may indicate abnormalities of the cerebrospinal fluid balance.
How to measure intracranial pressure in a child?
There is an accurate method for measuring intracranial pressure. For this purpose, a special needle with a manometer connected to it is inserted into the liquid cavities of the skull or spinal canal. But a direct measurement of intracranial pressure because of the complexity of the procedure and the danger of neural injury is not applied.
Treatment of intracranial pressure in children
In the treatment of intracranial pressure, it is important to eliminate the cause of its violation. As a symptomatic treatment,
If the reason lies in the immaturity of the nervous system, the child is prescribed vitamin preparations, physical procedures, a pool to strengthen the muscular framework, improve blood circulation throughout the body, walk in the fresh air.
If the cause of a bad outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the interstitial cavities and tissues is covered in a tumor or hematoma, which is an obstacle, then surgical treatment is prescribed for their removal. Similarly, the operation is resorted to if there is an excess production of cerebrospinal fluid. In this situation, a bypass is made, so that excess fluid from the brain through the tube is diverted into the abdominal cavity or into the heart cavity.