According to MayoClinic.com, hydrocephalus, also know as water on the brain, occurs in about 1 out of every 500 births. The outcome of this condition depends on how quickly the child is diagnosed and if any underlying disorders are also present. If left untreated, water on the brain can lead to brain damage, loss of physical and mental abilities, and even death. Most children who are treated recover successfully.
Definition
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the brain. This occurs most often due to an obstruction preventing proper fluid drainage. The fluid will compress surrounding brain tissue, causing brain damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms of water on the brain in infants include an unusually large head, a bulging soft spot on top of the head, a rapid increase in head size, vomiting, seizures, eyes fixed downward, sleepiness, irritability and developmental delays. Symptoms in older children include headache followed by vomiting, blurred vision, eyes fixed downward, memory loss, confusion, balance problems, development regression, lack of energy and changes in personality. If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
Risk Factors
An infant is at a higher risk of developing water on the brain if the mother had an infection in the uterus or problems with fetal development, such as incomplete closure of the spinal column during pregnancy. Premature infants are at an increased risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, which can lead to hydrocephalus. Other causes of water on the brain may be tumors of the brain or spinal cord, central nervous system infections, severe head injury or bleeding in the brain.
Treatment
Water on the brain is usually treated with surgery that usually consists of a shunt placement to drain the excess fluid. Most who need a shunt may need the shunt system for the rest of their lives. As the child grows, additional surgeries may be needed to insert a longer tube to match the child's growth. Other treatment includes an endoscopic third ventriculectomy, a procedure in which a small opening is made at the bottom of the third ventricle, allowing fluid to exit the brain. Children with water on the brain usually need to work with specialists, such as occupational therapists, pediatric psychologists and educational experts, to help the child thrive in daily life. Many children with this condition live with few limitations.
Prevention
Regular prenatal care and protecting against infections during pregnancy will help reduce the risk of hydrocephalus. During childhood, it is important to prevent head injury by ensuring the child wears appropriate safety equipment, such as wearing a seat belt in motorized vehicles.
