What you need to know about Hydrocephalus

In Nigeria, researches have shown that Spina Bifida is the most common Neural Tube Defect (NTD) which results in Hydrocephalus and cases are beginning to surge in the country.

Among other complications, some children develop hydrocephalus.

Experts have estimated that about 300, 000 births are affected every year globally noting that for children who survived, there is an increased rate of life-time disabilities.

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, which usually causes increased pressure inside the skull that enlarges the head and sometimes causes brain damage.

Brain damage can occur as a result of the fluid buildup. This can lead to developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments. It requires treatment to prevent serious complications.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Hydrocephalus mainly occurs in children and adults over 60, but younger adults can get it too and it estimates that 1 to 2 of every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus.

Studies shows that seizure disorders have been diagnosed in about 10 per cent of children with hydrocephalus and the mortality rate for infants is approximately 5 per cent.

In many cases, the exact event leading to hydrocephalus is unknown.

Types of hydrocephalus include:

Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth which may be caused by physical problems with how CSF flows or is made or absorbed, by infections or trauma during fetal development, or by teratogens. It may be linked with other birth defects that affect the spine, especially open neural tube defects.

Acquired hydrocephalus, develops at the time of birth or later and can be caused by infections such as meningitis, bleeding, injury, or a tumour.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus usually develops in people who are age 55 or older. It is a potentially treatable cause of dementia. This type of hydrocephalus often occurs after head trauma, infections, and bleeding within the brain.

Ex-vacuo hydrocephalus occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by stroke or traumatic injury. This type of hydrocephalus may not be a health danger for some people, in which case treatment is not needed.

With all types of hydrocephalus, early detection and treatment are important to minimize or prevent long-term problems.

However, a number of developmental or medical problems can contribute to or trigger hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus may result from inherited genetic abnormalities (such as the genetic defect that causes aqueductal stenosis) or developmental disorders (such as those associated with neural tube defects including spina bifida and encephalocele).

Other possible causes may include complications of premature birth such as intraventricular haemorrhage, diseases such as meningitis, tumours, traumatic head injury, or subarachnoid haemorrhage, which block the exit of CSF from the ventricles to the cisterns or eliminate the passageway for CSF within the cisterns.

According to Moyo Clinic, Hydrocephalus isn’t a preventable condition. However, there are ways to potentially reduce the risk of hydrocephalus:

If you are pregnant, get regular prenatal care and following your doctor’s recommended schedule for check-ups during pregnancy can reduce your risk of premature labour, which places your baby at risk of hydrocephalus and other complications.

Protect against infectious illness and follow the recommended vaccination and screening schedules for your age and sex.

Preventing and promptly treating the infections and other illnesses associated with hydrocephalus may reduce your risk.

ANTHONIA OBOKOH