When a baby is born with excess fluid inside their brain, this is a condition that is referred to as hydrocephalus. It’s commonly caused by conditions such as spina bifida, mumps, rubella, German measles, and infections a mother might have developed in the midst of the pregnancy.
Unfortunately, babies who are born with hydrocephalus or congenital hydrocephalus will suffer from permanent brain damage. It can also cause several complications that are long-term like learning disabilities and issues with physical coordination.
In the US, one to two of every 1,000 babies is born with hydrocephaly and is the tp reason for brain surgery in children.
What are the signs of hydrocephalus in baby?
In babies, parents will immediately notice physical changes in their babie’s head circumference. The fluid build-up causes the bones in the skull to stretch and expand, leading to an abnormally large head.
In addition to the appearance, your baby may show the following signs and symptoms.
- bulging fontanel
- Visible and prominent veins on the scalp
- seizures
- In addition to enlarged head, the baby may have bulging/ protruding eyes
- They are unable to look upward
- More irritable than usual
- High-pitched cry
- Does not feed or latch properly
- Vomiting
- Does not seem fully alert or seems lethargic
- Is not hitting their developmental milestones on time
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions so it’s best to consult your pediatrician for any concerns.
What can be the cause of hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus in the past has been referred to as “water on the brain.” However, it is not really excess water that is surrounding the interior of the brain, but cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
There are many functions as to why the brain produces this liquid and here are some of the most significant ones:
- CSF can act as protection for the brain from potential damage.
- It can remove waste products that are inside the brain.
- CSF also has the ability to provide the brain with the nutrients that it needs in order to function properly.
The brain produces new bouts of this fluid every single day, around a pint. Old fluid is then removed from the interior of the brain and absorbed into the blood vessels.
However, if this cycle or process is interrupted or stopped abruptly, it is possible that the levels of CSF in the brain can build up. In turn, this causes a large amount of pressure on the brain.
