Hydrocephalus

WHAT IS HYDROCEPHALUS?

Hydrocephalus means an abnormal or additional amount of 'water on the brain'. The fluid that builds up in the brain is cerebrospinal fluid. The excessive fluid causes widening of spaces in the brain which applies pressure to the brain which is dangerous. The balance between the production and the absorption of the fluid is very important. The fluid is made continously so conditions which block its normal flow or absorption will result in an excess of fluid which results in the fluid applying presure against the brain tissue. This condition can occur at any age and is a common symptom in individuals with spina bifida.

There are two types of hydrocephalus: acquired or congenital. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterwards. This type can affect all individuals of all ages and may be caused by injury or illness. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and is caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development or genetic abnormalities.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDROCEPHALUS?

Some of the typical symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision

Not all individuals with hydrocephalus will have the same symptoms and they vary with age and progression of the condition. In infancy the child's head can expand to deal with the excess fluid. Other symptoms (apart from those listed above) common in infancy are irritability, seizures and downward deviation of the eyes. Older children and adults may experience different symptoms because their skulls cannot expand to accomodate the excess fluid. In addition to the above symptoms other symptoms include: problems with balance, drowsiness, changes in personality, poor coordination and lethargy. Individuals with hydrocephalus often have learning disabilities, short term memory loss, hit puberty earlier, are clumsy, and some are epileptic.

WHAT CAUSES HYDROCEPHALUS?

There are a large number of different causes of hydrocephalus. It may result from inherited genertic abnormalities, developmental disorders (e.g. spina bifida), complications of premature birth, meningitis or traumatic head injury.

HOW IS HYDROCEPHALUS TREATED?

Unfortunately there are no known non-evasive methods of treatment. Hydrocephalus is most often treated by surgically inserting a shunt system (flexible plastic tube) which will divert the flow of the excess fluid to another area of the body where it can absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process. Shunts can become clogged or stop working properly and they may need to be surgically replaced.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.