Hydrocephalus In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hydrocephalus (HEYE-droh-SEF-ah-lus) is a condition when too much fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain. Ventricles are spaces inside the brain where a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is produced. CSF normally flows from the ventricles into the lower part of the brain and up and down the spinal cord. CSF is then absorbed by blood vessels, called veins, into the blood system. CSF cushions the brain from injury and also delivers nutrients and removes wastes. Normally, there is a constant balance of CSF production and absorption, which helps control the pressure within the brain. With hydrocephalus, there is a problem with this balance causing an increased pressure on the brain. This increased pressure may then damage brain cells.
  
  
• Hydrocephalus may be caused by an increased production or decreased absorption of CSF. Problems in the flow of CSF, such as a block or clog, may also result in hydrocephalus. These conditions may result from maternal infections during pregnancy, fetal defects, head injuries, and tumors of the brain. The most common sign in infants and younger children may be a fast increasing head size. Other symptoms include fussiness, sleepiness, vomiting, and seizures. Older children may have blurring of vision, headaches, mood changes, learning problems, and memory loss. Tests may include a lumbar puncture, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging of the head. Treatment includes diuretics (water pills), a shunt, and surgery. Ask your caregiver for more information about the different treatments for hydrocephalus.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Your child may need more rest than he realizes as he heals.

Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he does not become restless and risk hurting himself. Have your child read or draw quietly when he is awake. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he heals.

Keep your child away from people who have colds and the flu.

Also try to keep your child away from large groups of people while he is recovering from surgery. This decreases your child's chance of getting sick or getting an infection.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child seems confused or does not know his family or friends.
  
  
• Your child's headache is getting worse even after giving him pain medicines.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's hydrocephalus, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has any of the following problems:
  
  
  • Abdominal (belly) pain, if your child has a shunt
    
    
  • Becomes more fussy, restless, or sleepy than usual.
    
    
  • One pupil (black area in the center of the eye) looks larger than the pupil of the other eye .
    
    
  • Trouble hearing, talking, or seeing.
    
    
  • Tense or bulging fontanel (soft spot on the top of his head).
    
    
  • Weak arm or leg on one side of his body. He may be stumbling or having problems moving or walking.
  
  
• Your child's shunt or its tubes were pulled out or are not in their proper places.
  
  
• Your child has a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your child is vomiting and cannot keep any liquids down.
  
  
• Your child has breathing problems.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Hydrocephalus In Children (Aftercare Instructions)