Hydrocephalus

Description:

Hydrocephalus is a collection of fluid in the brain. The fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and it naturally surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Too much CSF causes a widening in the spaces of the brain which increases the pressure on the brain. This can be quite harmful and causes convulsions and mental retardation.

The symptoms of Hydrocephalus can vary with the age and individual differences in tolerance for CSF. For example, infants are able to tolerate a greater amount of CSF because the joints that connect the bones of the skull are not completely closed and are therefore able to contain a greater amount of fluid. As a result, the most noticeable symptom of Hydrocephalus in infancy is an enlarged head. Other symptoms can include vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, seizures and downward casting of the eyes, limited ability to think and comprehend and other physical impairments.

Cause:

There can be many causes of Hydrocephalus including genetic inheritance or as the result of other developmental disorders such as Spina Bifida. Sometimes it is because there were complications resulting from premature birth

Hydrocephalus may also be caused by Meningitis, traumatic head injury or tumors. It is not believed that Hydrocephalus is a result of anything the mother did while pregnant.

Treatment:

The most common treatment of the disease is a surgically implanted shunt system. The shunt system has three components; a shunt, a catheter, and a valve. With this treatment, the excess CSF is transferred to another part of the body (most often the abdomen) so that it will have a better chance of being absorbed by the circulatory process. It is very important to have a balance of CSF and a complication of the shunt system is that it may transfer too much CSF to be absorbed elsewhere in the body. After being implanted, a shunt will need to be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that is working effectively and that it doesn't become infected or obtain an obstruction. In many cases it may need to be replaced over time.

Children greatly benefit from rehabilitative therapy (occupational and physical therapy) and educational interventions to accommodate their learning abilities. Early diagnosis and regular treatment greatly increase the chances of good recovery. If Hydrocephalus is not treated it can be fatal.

Prevention:

Meningitis and malaria can be prevented by the use of mosquito netting and having clean water available. If these diseases are prevented or treated early with the use of medication, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that a child may develop Hydrocephalus.

Children with Hydrocephalus CAN:

Participate and contribute in their families and their schools in very meaningful ways!


	About Kupenda Children Ways to Contribute Photo Gallery News & Events Disabilities Schools Children in need of sponsorship Success Stories Clubfoot Microcephalus Hydrocephalus Epilepsy Autism Down syndrome Visual Impairment Effects of Polio Spina Bifida Deformed or Missing Limbs Deafness Cerebral Palsy Hip dysplasia Hydrocephalus Description: Hydrocephalus is a collection of fluid in the brain. The fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and it naturally surrounds the brain and spinal cord and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Too much CSF causes a widening in the spaces of the brain which increases the pressure on the brain. This can be quite harmful and causes convulsions and mental retardation. The symptoms of Hydrocephalus can vary with the age and individual differences in tolerance for CSF. For example, infants are able to tolerate a greater amount of CSF because the joints that connect the bones of the skull are not completely closed and are therefore able to contain a greater amount of fluid. As a result, the most noticeable symptom of Hydrocephalus in infancy is an enlarged head. Other symptoms can include vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, seizures and downward casting of the eyes, limited ability to think and comprehend and other physical impairments. Cause: There can be many causes of Hydrocephalus including genetic inheritance or as the result of other developmental disorders such as Spina Bifida. Sometimes it is because there were complications resulting from premature birth Hydrocephalus may also be caused by Meningitis, traumatic head injury or tumors. It is not believed that Hydrocephalus is a result of anything the mother did while pregnant. Treatment: The most common treatment of the disease is a surgically implanted shunt system. The shunt system has three components; a shunt, a catheter, and a valve. With this treatment, the excess CSF is transferred to another part of the body (most often the abdomen) so that it will have a better chance of being absorbed by the circulatory process. It is very important to have a balance of CSF and a complication of the shunt system is that it may transfer too much CSF to be absorbed elsewhere in the body. After being implanted, a shunt will need to be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that is working effectively and that it doesn't become infected or obtain an obstruction. In many cases it may need to be replaced over time. Children greatly benefit from rehabilitative therapy (occupational and physical therapy) and educational interventions to accommodate their learning abilities. Early diagnosis and regular treatment greatly increase the chances of good recovery. If Hydrocephalus is not treated it can be fatal. Prevention: Meningitis and malaria can be prevented by the use of mosquito netting and having clean water available. If these diseases are prevented or treated early with the use of medication, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that a child may develop Hydrocephalus. Children with Hydrocephalus CAN: Participate and contribute in their families and their schools in very meaningful ways!