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Hydrocephalus
What is it?
This condition, also commonly known as 'water on the brain',
exists when the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
becomes blocked, and accumulates in the brain cavities.
Causes:
Could be caused from a defect in the membrane that absorbs
cerebrospinal fluid, or due to a surgical procedure, such as the
repairing of spina bifida.
Susceptibility
Not known, although 4 out of 5 babies born with spina bifida
also have hydrocephalus.
Related Symptoms:
There is an abnormal enlargement of the head due to the fluid
build-up, and the scalp skin may appear shiny and almost
transparent. The baby's neck muscles will be underdeveloped with
the eyes taking on a strange appearance. Lack of appetite,
vomiting and a high-pitched cry are also common.
Treatment:
Severe cases can be treated by an operation, in where a small
tube (shunt) is inserted under the skin of the skull to
drain-off excess fluid.
Outlook:
Cases left untreated will lead to progressive destruction of
the brain, which will result in retardation, blindness and other
serious complications. It is therefore essential that treatment
be started as soon as possible, whereby the prognosis will be
good.
Cerebral Palsy
What it it?
A disability, caused by damage to the brain, before or after
birth.
Causes:
There are a number of causes responsible for the brain damage
that is associated with cerebral palsy, such as, premature
birth, insufficient oxygen whilst in the womb, injury during the
birth, or various diseases, such as encephalitis.
Related Symptoms:
The degree of disability varies greatly, with mild cases only
being noticed when the child shows signs of difficulty in
performing certain acts appropriate to his age. With the more
severe of cases, the child will suffer with convulsions, and the
hearing, vision and speech will be affected. The intelligence of
more than half of these children, is not adversely affected, and
although they may appear to be retarded, mentally they are the
same as normal children.
Treatment:
Treatment varies according to the severity of the problem.
Surgery may be used to treat some of the physical aspects, while
a carefully developed treatment programme will help in other
areas of the child's disability.
Outlook:
With support and perseverance, even the more severe of cases
can make remarkable progress.
Spina Bifida
What is it?
The backbone that aids in protecting the spinal cord, is not
fully closed, and in some cases, part of the spinal cord
covering will protrude from the baby's back, covered by a
reddish-purple cyst (meningocele). In the more severe of cases,
the spinal cord itself will protrude through the opening, and
with the little amount of protective covering, spinal fluid is
able to escape.
Causes:
The exact causes are still unknown, however, heredity is
thought to play a role, as does adverse antenatal conditions.
Susceptibility
More frequently reported in Ireland and Wales and amongst the
impoverished. The risk does increase if you have previously
given birth to an affected child, or when a family member
suffers with the condition.
Related Symptoms:
The legs are the most adversely affected, and children have
difficulty in obtaining proper bowel and bladder control,
although this does seem to diminish with time. In the case of
the spine being visibly open, there is risk of infection.
Hydrocephalus is also common in about 80% of cases.
Treatment:
Severe cases will need to be treated through the removal of
the cyst, and if the child is a hydrocephalus sufferer, the
excess fluid on the brain will need to be drained. Physical
therapy will be necessary, with the child having to wear leg
braces later in life.
Outlook:
The prognosis is usually good, but this depends solely on the
severity of the problem. Those with less severe symptoms will go
on to lead a normal, healthy life.
Back to Birth Defects
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