Can hydrocephalus resolve itself in infants?
Unlike forms of hydrocephalus caused by increased CSF in the ventricles, the external form involves fluid outside the brain, usually does not require any treatment and typically resolves itself over time.
What is the mortality rate for hydrocephalus?
Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately, 50% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.
Is hydrocephalus a lifelong condition?
They too can change the way a person thinks and acts (behaves) even when hydrocephalus does not occur. Hydrocephalus is however an ongoing, lifelong condition. It can continue to make it difficult for the brain to work properly which is why this site has focused on hydrocephalus in particular.
What does it mean if an unborn baby has fluid on the brain?
Fetal hydrocephalus is the buildup of CSF in the ventricular system of the brain, which results from a lack of absorption, blockage of flow or overproduction of CSF. It may potentially cause increased pressure in the head and an expansion of the skull bones. Hydrocephalus occurs in approximately 1 in every 1000 births.
What is the prognosis for hydrocephalus?
Does hydrocephalus cause mental retardation?
Associated Problems: About 80% of babies with hydrocephalus are born with other defects. Learning disabilities are among the most common complications for people with hydrocephalus. Intelligence levels can range from mild to severe mental retardation.
What are the effects of hydrocephalus on a newborn?
The impact of hydrocephalus on a newborn is somewhat unpredictable and can vary in severity. Because it injures the brain, children with hydrocephalus may have epilepsy, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, problems with coordination, vision problems, and early onset of puberty.
What is the prognosis for untreated in utero hydrocephalus?
These differences in outcome are most likely related to the period of untreated in utero hydrocephalus, forming the rationale for early intervention. Prenatal factors such as progression, degree of cortical mantle thinning to less than 1.5 cm and in utero duration of greater than four weeks are associated with a poor prognosis.
Is there any treatment for hydrocephalus during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hydrocephalus is usually managed with observation. At this time, there is no fetal treatment for this disorder. If your baby has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, our team will carefully watch them for signs of distress, which may indicate a need for early delivery.
Can a baby be diagnosed with hydrocephalus on a routine ultrasound?
Ultrasound: Hydrocephalus may be diagnosed on a routine ultrasound. The ventricles within the head will measure larger than normal. The head circumference may remain within the normal limits, or it may become enlarged as the pregnancy progresses.