What is hydrocephalus pathophysiology?
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column.
Can hydrocephalus be treated with medication?
There is little use for medication in hydrocephalus. In some acquired cases, as with tumors and infections, resolving the underlying condition will resolve the hydrocephalus, but most patients still require surgical intervention.
How can hydrocephalus be prevented?
You can’t prevent hydrocephalus, but you can lower your risk and your child’s risk for developing the condition. Make sure you get prenatal care during pregnancy. This can help reduce your chance of going into premature labor, which can lead to hydrocephalus.
How do you assess hydrocephalus?
CT scans and MRI scans are often used in combination to confirm a diagnosis of hydrocephalus present from birth (congenital) and hydrocephalus that develops later in children and adults (acquired). These scan the brain in detail.
What causes hydrocephalus in newborns?
There is no one cause for the type of hydrocephalus babies are born with. It may be linked to a genetic defect or a complication of another disorder, such as spina bifida or encephaloceles. Children may also develop hydrocephalus after birth as a complication of: premature birth.
How does a child get hydrocephalus?
Cause of Hydrocephalus Older children or adults with an abnormal growth in the head (tumor) or a head injury can develop hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus has two base causes: the bloodstream is not fully absorbing the fluid due to a damaged filter in the brain and / or the flow of fluid within the ventricles is blocked.
How do you treat a baby with hydrocephalus?
7 Tips for Caring for a Child with Hydrocephalus
- Build a Support Network.
- Learn How to Monitor a Shunt.
- Do Not Let Them Play with Magnets.
- Pay Close Attention to Their Development.
- Be Aware That They May Need Special Education.
- Recognize Emergencies.
- Teach Your Child About Hydrocephalus.
Can hydrocephalus be cured in babies?
There is no cure for hydrocephalus, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, children with hydrocephalus can lead normal lives. They will require close care from physicians, neurosurgeons and sometimes neurologists as well.
Can hydrocephalus babies walk?
Many children with pediatric hydrocephalus have normal intelligence and physical development, but some may be slower to develop skills such as hand-eye coordination or learning to walk. Some may experience learning problems as they progress in school.
Can a baby survive hydrocephalus?
Children often have a full life span if hydrocephalus is caught early and treated. Infants who undergo surgical treatment to reduce the excess fluid in the brain and survive to age 1 will not have a shortened life expectancy due to hydrocephalus.
How do you know if baby has hydrocephalus?
The most obvious sign of hydrocephalus in infants is a rapid increase in head circumference or an unusually large head size. Other symptoms may include seizures, vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, or eyes that constantly gaze downward.