The birth of a child is undoubtedly a long-awaited and exciting moment. Of course, parents hope to see a strong baby who will delight them with their achievements. However, such aspirations are not always justified. The real test is for both the baby and the parents malformations of the child. Such an unpleasant surprise is hydrocephalus in a newborn.
The disease is also called dropsy of the brain - a very "talking" name. The process itself consists in the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities of the brain. Hydrocephalus in a newborn is most often a congenital syndrome. In older children and adults, hydrocephalus can also be, but as a result of any injuries, infections.
If hydrocephalus is already ascertained at birth, then this may be the result of a violation of intrauterine development or the mother's transmission of infectious diseases. The cause of hydrocephalus can be a birth injury, improper management of labor.
What happens with hydrocephalus? What is the danger of this disease?
The cerebrospinal fluid, which is contained in the cavities of the brain, presses directly on the brain, blood vessels of the brain, and bones of the skull. Hydrocephalus in a newborn threatens with a violation of vascular circulation in the brain, nutrition of each brain cell, and discrepancy in the bones of the skull.
Symptoms of the disease:
- in the first place, people notice an increased head size that does not correspond to the age of the child;
- if you look closely at the fontanel, it clearly sticks out of the bones;
- visual impairment - in this case, the child “rolls his eyes”, his iris seems to go under the eyelid;
- hearing impairment;
- nervousness, lack of exercise, tearfulness;
- the appearance of a bright venous pattern on the surface of the head;
- developmental delay;
- cramps.
Usually, when the first signs of hydrocephalus appear, the doctor prescribes an additional examination to identify the disease. Indeed, hydrocephalus in children, the treatment of which was started as early as possible, subsequently gives a positive trend. So, to diagnose the disease, they take an x-ray, take a cerebrospinal fluid analysis 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 treatment methods should be chosen.
If hydrocephalus is not pronounced and there is the possibility of conservative treatment, then doctors, of course, give preference to this method. Otherwise, with a severe form of the disease, only surgical intervention is indicated.
External hydrocephalus in children is manifested by the protrusion of veins on the head and fontanel, an increase in the circumference of the head, and displacement of the eyeballs. Usually, external hydrocephalus can be suspected during examinations of the pregnant woman and the fetus. In this case, it is important for the gynecologist to monitor the dynamics of the process and the increase in the head - this indicates an increase in intracranial pressure.
After diagnosis, hydrocephalus in a newborn should be cured as soon as possible, otherwise delaying the disease can lead to dire consequences - mental retardation, visual defects, lag in physical development.
Disease treatment
Hydrocephalus in a newborn is treated in two ways - surgical and conservative. Usually, with conservative treatment, diuretics, medications that lower intracranial pressure, and other drugs are prescribed. Surgery is used in severe forms. Sometimes it is a puncture and suction of fluid, and if this does not help, then shunting is used - the passage of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to other parts of the shunt.
Parents, if diagnosed with hydrocephalus in a newborn, do not despair. Modern medicine can cope with this disease, only treatment should be prescribed in a timely and adequate manner.