Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Diabetes Insipidus
Unknown
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Hydrocephalus
Moderate
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of water balance characterized by excessive urination and intense thirst. It occurs when the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone, does not respond properly to the hormone, or, in some cases, has excessive water intake that produces similar symptoms. Unlike diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus is not primarily a disorder of blood sugar regulation. The amount of urine can be very large and dilute, and inadequate fluid replacement can lead to dehydration and disturbances in blood sodium levels.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in or around the brain, causing enlargement of the brain spaces and potentially harmful pressure on brain tissue. It can occur before birth, during infancy, in childhood, or later in adulthood. Symptoms vary with age and cause and may include headache, vomiting, vision problems, balance difficulties, changes in thinking or memory, and problems with bladder control. Untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Anxiety Heat IntoleranceOnly in Right Disease
Dizziness Fainting Headache NauseaCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chronic Disease Hormonal ImbalanceOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Diabetes Insipidus
Diagnosis involves assessing excessive urination and thirst while determining the cause of the water-balance abnormality. Tests may include measurement of urine volume and concentration, blood sodium and osmolality, urine osmolality, and other laboratory studies. A supervised water-deprivation test may be used in selected cases, sometimes followed by administration of a medicine that mimics antidiuretic hormone. Additional imaging or hormone evaluation may be needed when a central cause involving the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is suspected.
Hydrocephalus
Diagnosis involves assessment of symptoms, medical history, neurological function, and brain imaging. Ultrasound may be useful in infants before the skull bones have fully joined. CT and MRI scans can show enlargement of the brain ventricles, identify abnormalities, and help determine a possible cause. In suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus, additional tests may evaluate cerebrospinal fluid and determine whether symptoms are likely to improve after fluid removal or other diagnostic procedures.
Prevention
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus cannot always be prevented because some forms result from inherited conditions or unavoidable damage to the brain or kidneys. Preventing head injuries and obtaining appropriate treatment for conditions affecting the pituitary gland or kidneys may reduce the risk of some acquired cases. People taking medicines that can affect kidney function or water balance should have appropriate medical follow-up. Persistent excessive thirst or urination should be evaluated rather than assumed to be ordinary increased fluid intake.
Hydrocephalus
Not all hydrocephalus can be prevented because some forms result from genetic or developmental conditions. Protecting infants and children from head injury and obtaining prompt treatment for infections that affect the brain or spinal cord may reduce the risk of some acquired cases. Appropriate prenatal care can help identify certain developmental problems. People with conditions that may cause bleeding or injury to the brain should receive timely medical care and follow recommended treatment and monitoring.
Risk Factors
Diabetes Insipidus
Risk factors depend on the type of diabetes insipidus. Central disease may be associated with head injury, brain or pituitary surgery, tumors, infections, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or inherited disorders. Nephrogenic disease may be associated with chronic kidney problems, inherited abnormalities, high blood calcium, and medicines that interfere with the kidney response to antidiuretic hormone. Some cases have no clearly identified cause.
Hydrocephalus
Risk factors depend on the type of hydrocephalus. Congenital forms may be associated with genetic conditions or developmental abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. In children, previous infections of the central nervous system, bleeding around birth, tumors, or head injury can increase risk. In adults, head trauma, brain bleeding, meningitis, brain surgery, or other conditions affecting cerebrospinal fluid circulation may contribute. Older age is associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Treatment
Diabetes Insipidus
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Hydrocephalus
Treatment comparison will be available soon.