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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus Facts

• Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of the brain’s normal water-like fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) 
• Hydrocephalus is one of the most common birth defects
• It afflicts in excess of 10,000 babies each year in the US, and many times that in developing countries
• As many as 75% of children with hydrocephalus will have some form of motor disability

What Causes Hydrocephalus?

Although it is generally not hereditary, hydrocephalus is most often present at birth (congenital).  It may also be the result of an injury or trauma to the brain (acquired). Regardless of the cause of hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure in the skull causes a common set of signs and symptoms that vary depending on the age and physical condition of the patient.

In newborns or young infants, the head may enlarge or the fontalle (soft spot) may bulge because the cranium is not yet solidified and will expand due to the increased pressure. In older children and adults with a developed and solidified cranium, the symptoms of hydrocephalus may include personality changes, headache, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Gait disturbance and disrupted coordination may occur. In the worst cases, hydrocephalus can lead to early death.

How CBM helps

CBM’s focus in the treatment of hydrocephalus is early detection through our community health workers.  If identified and treated early, an overwhelming majority of newborns with hydrocephalus will have a normal life span and normal or even superior intelligence. In addition, they will enjoy normal activities and be useful members of society. However, there are complications associated with hydrocephalus with learning disabilities being one of the most prevalent.

Prevention & Treatment

Hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition in that the patient is treated rather than "cured." Presently, there is no known way to prevent or cure hydrocephalus, except surgically implanting shunts. The one-way calibrated shunt system was introduced in 1952.

Treatment by shunting the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to another area of the body, generally allows patients to lead full and active lives. There are different kinds and models of shunting systems. Although, shunts were a major medical breakthrough, there are problems that still remain unsolved in the treatment of hydrocephalus, such as shunt obstruction and infection.

An overwhelming majority of newborns with hydrocephalus will have a normal life span and normal or even superior intelligence. In addition, they will enjoy normal activities and be useful members of society. However, there are complications associated with hydrocephalus with learning disabilities being one of the most prevalent.

In most cases, hydrocephalus is not hereditary. (Source http://www.hydrocephalus.org/)

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