Hydrocephalus awareness month

THE term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words “hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning head. As the name implies it is a condition in which the primary characteristics is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once as water in the brain, the water is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles.

This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain. Possible causes of hydrocephalus include; genetic abnormalities, developmental disorders, infections during pregnancy, like rubella, complications of premature birth, including intraventricular haemorrhage, meningitis and other central nervous system infections, tumors, traumatic head injuries, subarachnoid haemorrhage, bleeding from blood vessels within the brain, complications following brain surgery.

Fast facts about hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus affects one in every 500 babies born. There is no known cure for hydrocephalus. The primary characteristics is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus is most often treated by surgically inserting a shunt system that moves the flow of CSF to another area of the body. Shunt systems are not perfect and require regular medical follow ups. If complications occur, the system usually requires some type of revision. The month of September has been set aside worldwide to raise awareness on the condition.

Hydrocephalus Association is a registered Trust based in Bulawayo. We are a support network with a mission to research, assess, diagnose, intervene, case management, provision

o f health, education, food and clothing, rights fulfilment, referral, monitoring and evaluation of children with hydrocephalus inter alia.