Hydrocephalus

What is pediatric hydrocephalus?

The nervous system contains a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. Fresh cerebrospinal fluid is made continuously by the brain every day. It circulates around the brain and spinal cord, carrying nutrients, washing away impurities and cushioning these delicate structures.

Cerebrospinal fluid flows through the ventricles, which are open areas within the brain, by way of channels that connect one ventricle to another. Eventually, the fluid is absorbed into the bloodstream.

In order to maintain normal pressure inside the skull the production, flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid must be kept in balance.

Most problems arise from an obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow or poor absorption. Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of too much cerebrospinal fluid inside the ventricles when the normal production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted.

What causes hydrocephalus in children?

Hydrocephalus is typically a symptom of some other problem, and a pediatric neurologist and neurosurgeon can to determine the cause. Sometimes hydrocephalus develops during pregnancy and in other cases, after birth.

Several conditions can result in blocked cerebrospinal fluid flow:

Inborn irregularities of the nervous system, such as
- Chiari malformation
- Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida
- Dandy-Walker syndrome (a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and the fluid-filled spaces around it)
Arachnoid cysts
Infection, such as meningitis
Intraventricular hemorrhage, which can affect premature babies
Tumor in the back of the brain (posterior fossa)
Head injury

Treatments of hydrocephalus :

Ventriculo peritoneal shunt

Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy

Hydrocephalus can be treated with medicines if mild and may need surgery if moderate to severe. Surgery for hydrocephalus can be Ventriculo Peritoneal shunt or Endoscopic 3^rd ventriculostomy.

Looking for Neuro
Surgeon?

Simply give us a call and book an appointment for yourself. We are here to help. Walk into our Hospital and let us take a closer look to suggest the best treatment you need.