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Pediatric hydrocephalus (hy·dro·ceph·a·lus) literally means “water on the brain.” In this case, though, the “water” is really a fluid that protects the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs when fluid builds up in the ventricles (cavities) deep in the brain, putting extra pressure on the brain.
The brain floats in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) so that its weight doesn’t cut off blood supply to the lower parts. CSF also serves as a cushion to stop contact of the brain with the hard, boney skull. The fluid’s constant circulation around the brain and spinal cord provides nutrients and removes waste products.
Too much of this fluid leads to an abnormal enlargement of the head. Think of blowing up a balloon in a container. Eventually the balloon gets too big and has nowhere to go. The pressure keeps building up until something breaks.
Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, leading to severe problems with mental and physical development.
There are two main types in infants and children.
Communicating or Non-communicating hydrocephalus
Symptoms in infants (birth to 1 year)
Symptoms in toddlers and older children (1-18 years)
What causes hydrocephalus is not well known. It has been linked to genetic abnormalities and things that go wrong during development in the womb. It can be seen as a complication of premature birth such as bleeding inside the brain and diseases including meningitis and traumatic head injury (TBI).
There are no medications that adequately treat hydrocephalus. Surgery offers the best treatment for this condition.
Prompt surgery for hydrocephalus reduces brain damage. The needs of your child and the cause of their hydrocephalus determine the type of surgery chosen.
The two general types of surgery are:
After treatment, your child will need regular check-ups to make sure there are no further problems. Tests are regularly done to check the child's developmental and for intellectual, neurological or physical problems.
Visiting nurses, social services, support groups and local agencies can provide emotional support and assist with the care of a child with hydrocephalus who has significant brain damage.
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid builds up in and around the brain, creating potentially harmful pressure inside the head.
Hydrocephalus affects about 1 in every 500 newborns and it is one of the most common birth defects.
It usually occurs because of problems with the blockage, absorption or flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Common symptoms include an abnormal increase in the size of the head and a bulging of the soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head.
It can usually be diagnosed during prenatal screenings after the third month of pregnancy.
After birth, surgery is the main treatment. Doctors implant a device to drain the excess fluid out of the brain.
Risk factors include abnormal development of the baby's nervous system during pregnancy and certain infections of the uterus.
Hydrocephalus can affect the mental and physical development of the baby, though early intervention helps limit problems.