Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a life-threatening condition characterized by the enlargement of a baby’s head. Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) typically flows throughout the head and spine, acting as a cushion for all the critical parts of the brain. A constant, steady production of CSF is balanced by the body’s ability to reabsorb the fluid. Hydrocephalus forms when a blockage to the normal flow of CSF results in a buildup of pressure. This pressure pushes the soft skull outwards, creating an enlarged head and putting pressure on the brain. If the pressure is not relieved, it can cause blindness, brain damage, and eventually death.
In children, hydrocephalus is commonly associated with spina bifida and also occurs due to an infection causing a blockage to the flow of CSF.
- 1-3 out of every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus worldwide.1
- 80% of those children come from low- and middle-income countries.
1 https://thejns.org/view/journals/j-neurosurg/130/4/article-p1065.xml#:~:text=Using%20the%20random%2Deffects%20model,interaction%20%3C%200.01)%20(Fig.
If Not Treated
If Not Treated
Without medical intervention, babies born with hydrocephalus are at high-risk for infection, injury, and even death.
Children with disabilities often experience stigma and discrimination, leading to poor self-confidence and isolation.
Treatment
Treatment
The preferred treatment for hydrocephalous is a two-part procedure that helps drain and decrease the amount of cerebrospinal fluid the brain makes. This technique was pioneered at CURE Uganda and has become an established treatment all over the world. The two-parts include:
- The ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy) enters the baby’s brain and opens up a channel to improve CSF flow.
- The CPC (Choroid Plexus Cauterization) decreases the amount of CSF the brain can make.
The traditional technique is the placement of a shunt or tube tunneled under the skin to relieve the build-up of CSF. This technique is still used in children unsuitable for the endoscopic (keyhole) procedure.
Before
Children like Jonah rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat hydrocephalus at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda.
After
Children like Jonah rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.
We treat hydrocephalus at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda.
