What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in infants?

What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in infants?

The most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus in infants is hemorrhage, most often as a consequence of prematurity. Other important causes include neoplasm and infection, usually bacterial meningitis. In these clinical situations, there is little ambiguity about the cause of the hydrocephalus.

What causes babies to have hydrocephalus?

In some babies the condition is genetic, such as in babies with congenital aqueductal stenosis. Other conditions, such as neural tube defects (like spina bifida), are also associated with hydrocephalus. Other causes include premature birth, infections, tumors, or bleeding inside the brain.

What is the main cause of hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain.

What is the most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus?

The most common causes of congenital hydrocephalus are obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct flow, Arnold-Chiari malformation or Dandy–Walker malformation. These patients may stabilize in later years due to compensatory mechanisms but may decompensate, especially following minor head injuries.

Do babies survive hydrocephalus?

Children often have a full life span if hydrocephalus is caught early and treated. Infants who undergo surgical treatment to reduce the excess fluid in the brain and survive to age 1 will not have a shortened life expectancy due to hydrocephalus.

How do I know if my baby has hydrocephalus?

Early signs of hydrocephalus in infants include:

1. bulging fontanel, which is the soft spot on the surface of the skull.
2. a rapid increase in head circumference.
3. eyes that are fixed downward.
4. seizures.
5. extreme fussiness.
6. vomiting.
7. excessive sleepiness.
8. poor feeding.

Can hydrocephalus be prevented?

You can’t prevent hydrocephalus, but you can lower your risk and your child’s risk for developing the condition. Make sure you get prenatal care during pregnancy. This can help reduce your chance of going into premature labor, which can lead to hydrocephalus.

Is hydrocephalus genetic?

It is thought that congenital hydrocephalus can be caused by genetic defects that can be passed from one or both parents to a child, but the direct links to hereditary disorders are still being investigated. However, experts have found a connection between a rare genetic disorder called L1 syndrome and hydrocephalus.

How long does a shunt last?

Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant’s shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

What genetic defect causes hydrocephalus?

The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus are variations ( mutations ) in the L1CAM gene , where there is a narrow passageway between the third and fourth ventricles (aqueductal stenosis).

When do babies develop hydrocephalus?

A healthcare provider may first spot this condition in your baby during an ultrasound in pregnancy. In many cases, hydrocephalus doesn’t develop until the third trimester of the pregnancy. Ultrasounds done earlier in pregnancy may not show this condition. Your child may be diagnosed with this condition after birth.

Can you breastfeed a baby with hydrocephalus?

Yes. Please ask your baby’s nurse about ways to interact with and care for your baby. If you had planned to breastfeed your baby, you can begin to pump and freeze breast milk while you are still in the hospital.

What causes hydrocephalus in babies, adults, and the elderly?

Hydrocephalus that develops in adults and children is often caused by an illness or injury that affects the brain. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) that develops in older people may also be the result of an infection, illness or injury, but in many cases it’s not clear what causes the condition.

How does hydrocephalus affect the nervous system?

The effect that hydrocephalus has on the nervous system will vary depending on the type of hydrocephalus and at what age it was discovered. Hydrocephalus means “water on the brain” and occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain spaces (ventricles) and is unable to drain out.

Can hydrocephalus be cured?

Hydrocephalus has no cure, but there are treatments that allow those affected to lead fairly normal lives with the condition. In some cases, it is possible for the blockage that is causing the fluid to build in the brain to be surgically removed. If the blockage is successfully removed,…

What is a common cause of congenital hydrocephalus?

Common causes of Congenital Hydrocephalus Aqueductal stenosis – The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus is an obstruction called aqueductal stenosis. Neural tube defect – Another common cause of hydrocephalus is a neural tube defect. Arachnoid cysts – Congenital hydrocephalus can also be caused by arachnoid cysts, which may occur anywhere in the brain.