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What Causes Dementia, Incontinence And Gait While Suffering From Congenital Hydrocephalus?
Question: 55yo family member with congenital hydrocephalus and a VP shunt since 1yo. Deteriorating slowly in cognitive and motor functioning over lifespan but in the past 12 months the decline has become quite rapid. He is now barley able to walk, sporadically incontinent, takes a long time to verbally respond and has had to resign from supermarket work of 17 years. Neurologist says it is stress, possible dementia. I have recently discovered by looking at CT reports that mild long standing ventriculomegaly was observed twice in 2009 by the radiology doctor - but no mention of it in following CT reports by other doctors. Could this be a possible cause of decline?
Brief Answer:
Ventriculomegaly can lead to such dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.
I understand your concern.
I have gone through your query in detail.
Long standing ventriculomegaly is one of the central associations which leads to full blown hydrocephalus.
Typically hydrocephalus is associated with dementia, incontinence and gait in coordination.
This is definitely the possible cause of decline in his case.
Hydrocephalus has to be immediately decompressed , otherwise it can lead to permanent dysfunction.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Ventriculomegaly can lead to such dysfunction.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.
I understand your concern.
I have gone through your query in detail.
Long standing ventriculomegaly is one of the central associations which leads to full blown hydrocephalus.
Typically hydrocephalus is associated with dementia, incontinence and gait in coordination.
This is definitely the possible cause of decline in his case.
Hydrocephalus has to be immediately decompressed , otherwise it can lead to permanent dysfunction.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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