NICU
Neonates, Infant, Newborn, Baby, Preemie
Hydrocephalus
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is a larger than normal amount of fluid in the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. This excess fluid can build up and eventually put pressure on the brain, which is extremely harmful and could damage it as well.
This is considered a congenital defect, meaning that infants born with this and placed in the neonatal ICU developed this while in the uterus. CSF serves multiple functions, and flows in and out of the brain. Hydrocephalus disrupts this flow, and the CSF accumulates in and around the brain.
This can be diagnosed while in utero, and is clearly visible by the infant's abnormally large head circumference.
If left untreated, the pressure from the fluid build up can cause so much damage to the brain, that it can be fatal.
Treatment
Hydrocephalus is treated by placing a shunt in the brain to redirect the flow of the CSF to another part of the body where it can be absorbed and released. A shunt is a tube that runs from the brain to another part of the body.
The best chance for a full recovery is if hydrocephalus is diagnosed early, and treatment is done quickly.
See Also:
• Medline Plus - Hydrocephalus
• NINDS - Hydrocephalus