Hydrocephalus: Spotting it Early and Seeking Treatment

Hydrocephalus sounds like a scary, complex term. And it can be a source of concern and questions for parents. But a hydrocephalus diagnosis doesn’t define your child’s life. With early detection and treatment, they can continue to focus on what matters most — being a kid.

Read more about spotting hydrocephalus in your child and how you can put them on a pathway to hope and healing.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Also known as “water on the brain,” hydrocephalus is a condition caused by abnormal fluid buildup in brain cavities called ventricles. This fluid buildup puts harmful pressure on brain tissue. Without treatment, it can lead to developmental delays, nerve damage and premature death.

Spotting Hydrocephalus in Your Child

But if hydrocephalus occurs in the brain, how do you spot it? And how do you make sure your child gets the care they need as early as possible? 

Infants

Newborns have a soft spot on the top of their head, so you’ll normally see a bulge appear there as the fluid pressure builds. You may notice their scalp is stretched thin enough to see veins.

Your baby may also:

• Have a downward gaze in the eyes
• Have an abnormally large head size or head growth
• Have poor feeding habits
• Have seizures
• Have trouble sleeping
• Seem overly irritable or fussy
• Vomit

Children

Toddlers, children, and teens show many of the same hydrocephalus symptoms as babies. But they can show additional signs, too, including 

• Blurry or double vision
• Delayed learning
• Headaches
• Issues with coordination and balance
• Personality changes
• Poor motor skills
• Tiredness
• Trouble focusing

Prenatal

In some cases, your child can receive a hydrocephalus diagnosis before birth. That was the case for siblings Leyra and Zavyer, patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

During an ultrasound, your technician may see pockets of fluid in your baby’s brain. These can point to enlarged ventricles and a potential hydrocephalus diagnosis.

A prenatal diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. Your care team will be close by to monitor your baby through pregnancy, answer questions and provide emotional support.

Treatments to Get Back on Track

Hydrocephalus treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause of your child’s condition. Most commonly, we place a drainage system under your child’s scalp to remove the fluid from the brain.

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and benefits. Your child’s care team will discuss your options and answer your questions.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

One of those drainage systems is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This shunt has a faucet-like valve under the skin that directs fluid through a tube and into the belly, where it’s naturally absorbed. By rerouting the fluid, the brain can grow normally.

Shunts require constant monitoring, with check-ups every six months to a year. Your child’s provider will continue to track your child’s progress and manage any symptoms.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

If a blockage in the brain causes fluid buildup, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is another treatment option. With ETV, your child’s surgeon makes a new opening in the third brain ventricle. This hole allows fluid to bypass the blockage and flow out naturally.

Your child will have regular follow-up visits with their neurologist, neurosurgeon or both.

Early Detection for a Bright Future

Many children with hydrocephalus enjoy a long, healthy life. But early detection is key. You know your child best, so talk to their doctor right away if you think something is wrong. They can recommend the right medical resources and treatment before symptoms worsen or brain damage occurs.

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we’re committed to improving your child’s outcome with hydrocephalus through early detection and expert treatment. Learn more about our pediatric neurosurgery  program.