Hydrocephalus in a newborn is curable

The birth of a child is undoubtedly a long-awaited and exciting moment. Of course, parents hope to see a strong kid who will make them happy with their achievements. However, such expectations are not always justified. A real test is for the baby and for the parents of the developmental defects of the child. Such an unpleasant surprise is hydrocephalus in a newborn.

Disease in another way is called a dropsy of the brain - a very "talking" name. The process itself is the accumulation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities of the brain. Hydrocephalus in a newborn is often a congenital syndrome. In older children and adults, hydrocephalus can also be, but as a result of any injuries, infections.

If hydrocephalus is detected at birth, this may be a consequence of a violation of intrauterine development or the mother's infectious diseases. The cause of hydrocephalus may be birth trauma, miscarriage of labor.

What happens with hydrocephalus? What is dangerous for this disease?

Likvor, which is contained in the cavities of the brain, presses directly on the brain, brain vessels, skull bones. Hydrocephalus in a newborn is threatened with a violation of the vascular circulation in the brain, the supply of each cell of the brain, the divergence of the bones of the skull.

Symptoms of the disease:

1. First of all, others notice an increased size of the head, which does not correspond to the age of the child;
2. If you look closely at the fontanel, it obviously sticks out of the bones;
3. Impaired vision - while the child "rolls his eyes", his iris as if goes under the eyelid;
4. Hearing impairment;
5. Nervousness, hypodynamia, tearfulness;
6. The emergence of a bright venous pattern on the surface of the head;
7. Lag in development;
8. Convulsions.

Usually, when the first signs of hydrocephalus appear, the doctor prescribes an additional examination to identify the disease. After all, hydrocephalus in children, whose treatment is started as early as possible, later gives a positive dynamics. So, to diagnose the disease, do an x-ray, take an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and do angiography of the vessels. And with the help of ultrasound, it is possible to see the structure of the brain and analyze the degree of change in the ventricles. Usually, after research, it becomes clear how serious the disease is and what treatments to choose.

If hydrocephalus is not expressed strongly and there is a possibility of conservative treatment, then doctors, of course, give preference to this method. Otherwise, with severe disease, only surgical intervention is indicated.

External hydrocephalus in children is manifested by the protrusion of veins on the head and fontanelle, an increase in the circumference of the head, a shift in the eyeballs. Usually, external hydrocephalus can be suspected even during examinations of the pregnant and fetus. At the same time, it is important for the gynecologist to monitor the dynamics of the process and increase the head - this indicates an increase in intracranial pressure.

Hydrocephalus in a newborn after diagnosis should be cured as soon as possible, otherwise delaying the disease can lead to terrible consequences - mental retardation, appearance defects, lagging behind in physical development.

Treatment of the disease

Hydrocephalus is treated in a newborn in two ways - surgical and conservative. Usually, conservative treatment is prescribed diuretics, drugs that reduce intracranial pressure and other means. Surgery is used in severe forms. Sometimes it's a puncture and a sucking out of fluid, and if it does not help, then shunting is used - transfer of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to other departments by a shunt.

Parents, if hydrocephalus is diagnosed in a newborn, do not despair. Modern medicine can cope with this disease, only treatment should be appointed in a timely and adequate manner.