Hydrocephalus is the gradual addition of cerebrospinal fluid within any one of the 4 main cavities of the vertebrate brain because it's normal way of entrance or leaving is blocked due to malformation or disease. In infancy it usually results in great enlargement in the head.

Hydrocephalus mainly occurs in children and adults over 60. 1-2 of 1000 babies are also born with it.

Causes:

It is thought to be caused by a mixture of genetics and environmental factors.Exactly how genes relate is unknown and is assumed to be a rare cause. Usually caused by obstructions to the cerebral aqueduct. It may also be caused by a decreased ability of blood vessels to absorb it and your brain producing an excess amount of it.

Symptoms in infants: 

-bulging fontanel, or soft spot on the surface of the skull

-a rapid increase in head circumference

-eyes that are fixed downward

-seizures

-extreme fussiness

-vomiting

-excessive sleepiness

-poor feeding

-low muscle tone and strength

In Toddlers and older children:

-crossed eyes

-headaches

-muscle spasms

-delayed growth

-loss of coordination

-loss of bladder control

-larger than normal head

-vomiting or nausea

-seizures

-problems concentrating

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hydrocephalus

http://nhfonline.org/gavin-rushes-in.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/hydrocephalus#Overview1

Heather was scheduled for a C-section and she went into labor earlier than expected. Gavin was born 6/9/14 (37 weeks, came out 7 pounds, 14 ounces and, was 21 inches). He came out sooo strong and his vitals were great that Dr. Muhonen (the neurosurgeon) decided to let Heather and Morgan keep the baby with them for about 6 hours before transferring him to the NIC unit at CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County). Originally, it was planned that Gavin was going immediately to be monitored for the upcoming surgery.

Long story short, the doctor decided to try another procedure, other than the shunt that was originally decided on. He put a scope into the soft spot, into the 3rd ventricle and bypassed the blockage.

Gavin has been closely monitored and has had a couple ultrasounds, but the doctor is very pleased with Gavin's progress and has said he does not feel that Gavin will ever need additional surgeries and that the procedure is working very well. What a Miracle God has given all of us!!

Dr. Muhonen stated that this procedure is done in France on newborns but, rarely done in the States because it is only 65% successful.

I want to thank NHF for all the information and the reassurance that having hydrocephalus is OK, and that a normal life can occur. Your kind words and information gave us additional hope through the final 6 weeks while Heather was carrying the baby. The stress and worry was still constant, but doable, knowing he could live a normal life.

Of course, we do not know anything about the future milestones Gavin will go through, but he is doing great, gaining weight and growing longer every day. My daughter and her new family are grateful to God and all those that prayed and gave advice during this precious little boy's entrance to the world.

Thanks again, I am eternally grateful!!!"

What are the symptoms of Hydrocephalus?

What causes Hydrocephalus?

What is the main treatment?

what is the most common age for hydrocephalus to occur?

~usually a tube or stunt is put in the allow the extra fluid to drain

~In some cases of non-communicating hydrocephalus, a direct connection can be made between one of the ventricles and the subarachnoid space, allowing drainage without a shunt

Definition: Hydro (Greek)= Water  kephale (Greek)= head

It literally means "Water on the head" or, "brain"

-chronic headaches -loss of coordination -difficulty walking

-bladder problems -vision problems -poor memory -difficulty concentrating