Naturally Healthy Lifestyles

Disorders of the Brain and Nervous System

 


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.