Question

How is Hydrocephalus treated in affected infants and toddlers?

Answer 1

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by accumulation of cerebrospianal fluid (CSF) and the circulation is blocked resulting in abnormally enlarged head. Normally, a delicate balance exists between the rate of formation and absorption of CSF.In hydrocephalus, this balance is disturbed.

A measurement of the circumference of the baby’s head is taken and compared to a graph that can identify normal and abnormal ranges for a baby’s age.

The Hydrocephalus can occur either as a condition present at birth (congenital), or it can be acquired later in life.

The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the baby’s head and to properly drain the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The key to treating hydrocephalus is early detection, proper treatment, and prevention of infection.

Surgery may be needed for some cases of hydrocephalus. Surgery usually involves placing a mechanical shunting device into the baby’s head to help drain the extra CSF from the brain and redirect the extra fluid to another part of the body to be absorbed. A common type of shunt is the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This directs the fluid into the abdominal cavity.

Following surgery, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for your baby at home .

• Diagnostic tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of hydrocephalus include:

# Ultrasound

# Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

# Computed tomography (CT) scan.