Hydrocephaly, water on the brain birth defect

What is hydrocephaly?

Hydrocephaly is also known as hydrocephalus or water on the brain. Hydrocephaly can occur at any age but for our purposes, we are only focusing on water on the brain to infants.

For infants, the most obvious sign is usually an abnormally large head which causes harmful pressure on brain tissue. Symptoms may include vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, an inability to look upwards, and seizures.

Water on the brain is not really water but an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. CSF looks like water but contains proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients that keep the brain healthy. The buildup of CSF causes the brain to swell, and for pressure to increase inside the skull, resulting in nerve damage.

Causes for hydrocephaly may include birth defect causing agents, brain hemorrhage, infection, meningitis, tumor, or head injury. Hydrocephaly frequently partners with spina bifida.

The prognosis depends on the cause and the timing of the diagnosis and treatment. Many children treated are able to lead normal lives with few, if any, limitations. Sometimes, cognitive impairments in language and non-language functions may occur.

What causes hydrocephaly?

Causes of congenital hydrocephaly include:

• Toxoplasmosis - an infection from eating undercooked meat, or by coming in contact with infected soil or an infected animal
• Cytomegalovirus or CMV - an infection from a herpes virus
• Rubella or German measles
• Any genetic disorder usually passed from mother to son

As of March 2011 a new report from the Center for Disease Control said that pregnant or women thinking about becoming pregnant, should know there are risks associated with using prescription painkillers. One of these risks is hydrocephaly and spina bifida.

What treatment is available for hydrocephaly?

Treatment involves the insertion of a shunt to let the excess fluid exit and relieve the pressure on the brain. The shunt is a flexible, plastic tube with a one way valve. The shunt is inserted into the ventricular system of the brain to divert the flow of CSF into another area of the body, where the CSF can drain and be absorbed into the bloodstream.

While shunt surgery is the most effective treatment for hydrocephalus, shunt devices are not without problems and risks. A shunt is forever and not one shunt either. Shunts need to be replaced. Mechanical failure, infections, obstructions, and the need to revise or replace the catheter are complications which may occur.

Does your baby suffer from a pressure on the brain birth defect? Contact Anapol Schwartz to find out what your legal options are.

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