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.

What causes a baby to be born with hydrocephalus?

When hydrocephalus is congenital, it may be the result of a condition like spina bifida, where the baby’s spine does not form normally, or aqueductal stenosis, a narrowing of the passage between the third and fourth ventricles in the brain. Hydrocephalus may also be caused by a genetic disorder.

How long do babies born with hydrocephalus live?

Most of the newborns born with hydrocephalus will have a normal lifespan, and approximately 40 to 50 percent will have normal intelligence. Seizure disorders have been diagnosed in about 10 percent of children with hydrocephalus. The mortality rate for infants is approximately 5 percent.

Is hydrocephalus genetically inherited?

It is caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus are variations ( mutations ) in the L1CAM gene , where there is a narrow passageway between the third and fourth ventricles (aqueductal stenosis).

What is the life expectancy of someone with hydrocephalus?

Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately, 50% of the affected patients die before three years of age and approximately 80% die before reaching adulthood. Treatment markedly improves the outcome for hydrocephalus not associated with tumors, with 89% and 95% survival in two case studies.

Can hydrocephalus go away?

Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations.

Can babies with hydrocephalus lead normal lives?

Most children who have hydrocephalus make a successful recovery after surgery and go on to lead healthy lives. Many children with pediatric hydrocephalus have normal intelligence and physical development, but some may be slower to develop skills such as hand-eye coordination or learning to walk.

What is the most common cause of hydrocephalus in infants?

The most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus in infants is hemorrhage, most often as a consequence of prematurity. Other important causes include neoplasm and infection, usually bacterial meningitis.

Can babies grow out of hydrocephalus?

Though the majority of these babies will eventually need the traditional shunt when they grow older, many will never need another intervention. “Now,” Ahn says, “we can treat these babies so that they can outgrow their hydrocephalus and never need a shunt at all, which is a tremendous victory.”

What happens if a baby is born with fluid in the brain?

The impact of hydrocephalus on a newborn is somewhat unpredictable and can vary in severity. Because it injures the brain, children with hydrocephalus may have epilepsy, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, problems with coordination, vision problems, and early onset of puberty.

What happens when a child has congenital hydrocephalus?

Congenital hydrocephalus is when a child is born with an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This excess fluid causes an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles (ventriculomegalia) and can create a harmful pressure on brain tissue. S

What does CSF mean in congenital hydrocephalus?

Congenital hydrocephalus is when a child is born with an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

What causes a baby to have water on the brain?

Hydrocephalus – or “water on the brain” – is a general term used to describe a range of medical conditions caused by excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Some babies are born with “congenital” forms of hydrocephalus. Other children develop the condition – often due to physical trauma at the time of birth.

When does hydrocephalus ex vacuo cause brain damage?

Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain and the brain tissue may shrink. Hydrocephalus may also be classified in congenital or acquired.