Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Hydrocephalus

Moderate
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension means abnormally high pressure in the lung circulation, which can strain the right side of the heart. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is one particular form. Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, especially during activity.
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
Chest Pain Coughing Blood High Blood Pressure
Only in Right Disease
Dizziness Fainting Headache Nausea

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chronic Disease Smoking
Only in Right Disease
None

Diagnosis

Pulmonary Hypertension
Evaluation includes medical history, examination, and tests of heart and lung function. Echocardiography assesses heart function and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Right-heart catheterization directly measures pressures when indicated. Further investigations identify the underlying cause and help distinguish the different forms.
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

Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension cannot always be prevented. Possible risk-reduction measures depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. People with relevant heart, lung, inherited, or other associated conditions can discuss appropriate assessment and risk reduction with their healthcare professional.
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

Pulmonary Hypertension
Risk depends on the form of pulmonary hypertension. Associated factors can include heart or chronic lung disease, low oxygen levels, previous pulmonary blood clots, connective tissue disease such as scleroderma, and certain inherited conditions or exposures. A factor relevant to one form may not apply to another.
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

Pulmonary Hypertension
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Hydrocephalus
Treatment comparison will be available soon.