Hydrocephalus Program

The name of the disease is derived from Latin words meaning “water” and “head.” Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an excess accumulation of fluid in the brain's ventricles or around the brain. This fluid accumulation can result from excessive production, impaired absorption, or blockage of the flow between the ventricles due to an obstruction. Common causes include intracranial bleeding, head injuries, brain tumors, neural tube defects such as spina bifida, bleeding related to premature birth, and meningitis.

Symptoms may include excessive growth of the head in infants whose skull bones have not yet closed, swelling at the fontanel, thinning of the scalp, prominent veins on the head, restlessness, high-pitched crying, vomiting, downward gaze, seizures, unresponsiveness, and slow physical and motor development.

Treatment for the condition involves the placement of a shunt to allow the fluid to drain into the abdominal cavity or, in suitable cases, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedure. The Hydrocephalus Program approaches pediatric patients with a multifaceted perspective to ensure proper monitoring and treatment.