Does hydrocephalus cause retardation?
The average intelligence quotient (IQ, 108) of those with uncomplicated congenital hydrocephalus is significantly higher than the group with other major central nervous system (CNS) malformations. Hydrocephalus and intracranial hemorrhage, CNS infection, or prematurity are also associated with more mental retardation.
Does hydrocephalus cause microcephaly?
This is because the cerebral spinal fluid is filling in space from damage caused to the brain from the infection or injury. Often, these babies will have microcephaly or a smaller than average size head. Extracranial abnormalities have been seen in as many as 2/3rds of babies with hydrocephalus.
Can hydrocephalus cause brain damage in babies?
Many babies born with hydrocephalus (congenital hydrocephalus) have permanent brain damage. This can cause several long-term complications, such as: learning disabilities. speech problems.
Does hydrocephalus cause damage?
Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of brain function problems.
Can a baby 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.
What is a Waterhead baby?
A baby with hydrocephalus has extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain. The baby’s head may look larger than normal. This is a rare condition. A health care provider may diagnose this condition during an ultrasound in pregnancy. The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure inside your baby’s head.
What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in utero?
True fetal hydrocephalus has a variety of causes. The most common form of isolated, obstructive hydrocephalus is so-called “aqueductal stenosis,” which is the blockage of CSF passage through the aqueduct of Sylvius. It accounts for up to 20 percent of cases of fetal hydrocephalus.
What does it mean if an unborn baby has fluid on the brain?
Fetal hydrocephalus is the buildup of CSF in the ventricular system of the brain, which results from a lack of absorption, blockage of flow or overproduction of CSF. It may potentially cause increased pressure in the head and an expansion of the skull bones. Hydrocephalus occurs in approximately 1 in every 1000 births.
Do babies with hydrocephalus survive?
What is the life expectancy of a child who has 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.
Is hydrocephalus a birth defect?
Hydrocephalus is one of the most common “birth defects” affecting more than 10,000 babies each year. One out of every 500 newborns has hydrocephalus.