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Hydrocephalus: historical analysis and considerations for treatment
Alexandra Hochstetler1, Jeffrey Raskin2,3, Bonnie L Blazer-Yost4
1Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA. alex.e.h.95@gmail.com.
European Journal of Medical Research
|September 1, 2022
Summary
Hydrocephalus, a condition affecting all ages, shares symptoms across various causes. Research into common molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing new, non-surgical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Hydrocephalus presents diverse etiologies but shares common symptoms like cognitive changes, pain, and gait abnormalities across all age groups.
- Pediatric hydrocephalus affects 0.1-0.6% of live births, while adult cases are understudied.
- Current surgical treatments for hydrocephalus have high failure rates, and past pharmacotherapies have yielded poor outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for novel, non-surgical interventions for hydrocephalus.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding shared cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus.
- To advocate for increased research investment and collaborative efforts in hydrocephalus treatment development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hydrocephalus etiologies, symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
- Analysis of the limitations of current surgical and pharmacological approaches.
- Identification of the need for research into common molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- Despite numerous causes, hydrocephalus shares a common set of symptoms.
- Surgical interventions, while life-saving, frequently fail.
- Lack of understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms hinders effective pharmacotherapy development.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for non-surgical treatments for hydrocephalus, irrespective of its cause.
- Advancing hydrocephalus treatment requires significant investment in researching common molecular mechanisms.
- Collaboration among patient advocacy groups, research institutions, and industry is essential for progress.
Keywords:
Cerebrospinal fluidDrug developmentHydrocephalusMechanismsPathophysiologyPreclinical researchMore Related Videos
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