Hydrocephalus

Definition of Hydrocephalus:-

Hydrocephalus occurs when excess fluid builds up in your brain, most often because of an obstruction preventing proper fluid drainage. The excess fluid can compress surrounding, fragile brain tissue, causing brain damage. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.

Once known as "water on the brain," hydrocephalus is sometimes present at birth, although it may develop later. About 1 out of 500 children is born with the disorder. The outlook if you have hydrocephalus depends on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and whether any underlying disorders are present.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus:-
The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary by age group and disease progression.

In infants, common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

• An unusually large head
• A rapid increase in the size of the head
• A bulging "soft spot" on the top of the head
• Vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
• Developmental delay

In older children and adults, common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

• Headache followed by vomiting
• Nausea
• Blurred or double vision
• Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
• Problems with balance, coordination or gait
• Sluggishness or lack of energy
• Slowing or regression of development
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Urinary incontinence
• Irritability
• Changes in personality
• Impaired performance in school or work

Hydrocephalus produces different combinations of these signs and symptoms, depending on its cause, which also varies by age. For example, a condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, which mainly affects older people, typically starts with difficulty walking. Urinary incontinence often develops, along with a type of dementia marked by slowness of thinking and information processing.

When to see a doctor
Infants and toddlers require emergency medical care for these signs and symptoms:

• A high-pitched cry
• Problems with sucking or feeding
• Unexplained, recurrent vomiting
• Exhibiting an unwillingness to bend or move the neck or head
• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures

The following signs and symptoms don't constitute an emergency, but they do warrant a call to your child's doctor:

• A rapid increase in the size of the head
• A bulging "soft spot" on the top of the head
• A change in the appearance of the face or eyes
• A decreased level of interest or engagement in social interactions

Older adults need a complete physical and neurological exam if experiencing:

• Walking difficulties
• Impaired thinking
• Urinary incontinence
  

Causes of Hydrocephalus:-Hydrocephalus is caused by excess fluid buildup in your brain.

Your brain is the consistency of gelatin, and it floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned.

Cerebrospinal fluid flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels. The fluid eventually flows into spaces around the brain, where it's absorbed into your bloodstream.

Keeping the production, flow and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in balance is important to maintaining normal pressure inside your skull. Hydrocephalus results when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted — for example, when a channel between ventricles becomes narrowed — or when your body doesn't properly absorb this fluid.

Defective absorption of cerebrospinal fluid causes normal pressure hydrocephalus, seen most often in older people. In normal pressure hydrocephalus, excess fluid enlarges the ventricles but does not increase pressure on the brain. Normal pressure hydrocephalus may be the result of injury or illness, but in many cases the cause is unknown.

Risk Factors of Hydrocephalus:- Premature infants have an increased risk of severe bleeding within the ventricles of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage), which can lead to hydrocephalus.

Certain problems during pregnancy may increase an infant's risk of developing hydrocephalus, including:

• An infection within the uterus
• Problems in fetal development, such as incomplete closure of the spinal column

Congenital or developmental defects not apparent at birth also can increase older children's risk of hydrocephalus.

Other factors that increase your risk of hydrocephalus include:

• Lesions or tumors of the brain or spinal cord
• Central nervous system infections
• Bleeding in the brain
• Severe head injury

Prevention of Hydrocephalus:-To reduce the risk of hydrocephalus:

• If you're pregnant, get regular prenatal care. Following your doctor's recommended schedule for checkups during pregnancy can reduce your risk of premature labor, which places your baby at risk of hydrocephalus and other complications.
• Protect against infectious illness. Follow the recommended vaccination and screening schedules for your age and sex. Preventing and promptly treating the infections and other illnesses associated with hydrocephalus may reduce your risk.

To prevent head injury:

• Use appropriate safety equipment. For babies and children, use a properly installed, age- and size-appropriate child safety seat on all car trips. Make sure all your baby equipment — crib, stroller, swing, highchair — meets all safety standards and is properly adjusted for your baby's size and development. Older children and adults should wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, motorcycle, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
• Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle. Small children should be secured in child safety seats or booster seats. Depending on their size, older children may be adequately restrained with seat belts.

Should you be vaccinated against meningitis?
Ask your doctor if you or your child should receive a vaccine against meningitis, once a common cause of hydrocephalus. A meningitis vaccine is now recommended for people ages 2 and older who are at increased risk of this disease due to:

• Traveling to countries where meningitis is common
• Having an immune system disorder called terminal complement deficiency
• Having a damaged spleen or having had your spleen removed
• Living in a dormitory as a college freshman
• Joining the military
  
  

Thousend baby birth then 5 baby average with hydrocefalus...

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects (Read about "Birth Defects") with symptoms that range from mild to severe impairment. They are caused by incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or their protective coverings. (Read about "The Brain") This occurs when the fetus' spine fails to close properly during the early stages of pregnancy. (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy") The Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA) says spina bifida is the most common NTD. Some other types of NTDs include anencephaly and encephaloceles.

While there is no cure for any of these, much research is being done to determine what causes them and how to prevent them. Doctors and scientists are also working to improve surgeries and other treatments for those affected by these disorders. One thing the March of Dimes (MOD), SBAA and other groups agree on is the need for women to take folic acid supplements, even before they are pregnant. SBAA says that some studies have shown that if all women took appropriate folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy, NTDs could be reduced by close to 75 percent. (Read about "Pregnancy and Nutrition") Below you'll find information on some different types of neural tube defects.

***During pregnancy***

A healthy diet is one that includes nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein, while limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt and alcohol. (Read about "Dietary Guidelines") If you are eating a healthy diet before you become pregnant, you may only need to make a few changes to meet the special nutritional needs of pregnancy. You should discuss nutrition and other issues with your healthcare provider during your initial prenatal care visits. (Read about "Prenatal Care")

During pregnancy, your body needs more nutrients in order to provide a baby with what it needs. But, according to the National Women's Health Information Center, most pregnant women need to consume only an extra 300 calories a day. That may not seem like a lot, so during pregnancy, it's more important than ever to avoid "empty" calories.

Among the nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy:

Calcium - Since most women don't get enough calcium (Read about "Calcium") even when they're not pregnant, it's important to pay attention to this need in your diet. For pregnant women, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends, depending on your age and other health issues, between 1000 and 1300 milligrams per day of calcium. You should discuss with your healthcare provider what your needs are. IOM also says the upper intake level for calcium is between 2000 and 3000 milligrams per day. Once again, it depends on your age and other health factors how much calcium you should be getting. Upper intake levels represent the upper safe boundary and should not be misunderstood as amounts people need or should strive to consume, according to IOM. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, tofu and salmon. The Food and Drug Administration says getting enough calcium can help prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Depending on your diet, your doctor or healthcare provider may recommend a calcium supplement. (Read about "Calcium and Osteoporosis") Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium. For pregnant women, IOM recommends, depending on your age and other health issues, 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day to maintain health. Once again, you should discuss with your healthcare provider what your needs are.

Iron - Foods rich in iron include many meats, fish and poultry (especially red meat and liver). Iron is also found in leafy green vegetables, eggs and enriched grains, although this form of iron is not as easily absorbed by the body. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says iron helps both the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. (Read about "Anemia") Iron supplements can be used on a doctor's advice. However, be careful to store iron containing products safely out of the reach of children. (Read about "Iron Supplements")

Folic acid - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says pregnant women or women who are thinking of getting pregnant should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) per day of synthetic folic acid (from fortified foods and/or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet. This could prevent up to 70 percent of a type of serious birth defect (Read about "Birth Defects") called neural tube defects. (Read about "Neural Tube Defects") But for folic acid to work in this way, women need to be getting enough before they get pregnant. That's why women should always get enough folic acid every day, but especially if they're thinking about becoming pregnant. Foods that are high in folic acid include liver, dark green leafy vegetables, lean meat, oranges, grains and legumes (lima beans, black beans, etc.) Folic acid is also found in certain fortified foods. Depending on your diet and personal history, your doctor or healthcare provider may also recommend folic acid supplements. Most pregnant women are placed on prenatal vitamins so check with your healthcare provider to see how much folic acid is in your vitamins. (Read about "Vitamins & Minerals")

Although supplements and fortified foods can be useful in helping a woman get adequate amounts of the nutritional elements she needs, excess consumption of vitamins and minerals can cause health problems. For example, according to the National Institutes of Health, getting 2,000 mg/day or more of calcium can produce adverse health effects. Therefore, use of supplements should always be discussed with a doctor or healthcare provider first.

In addition to foods a pregnant woman should consume, there are also foods she should avoid. Undercooked meat can be contaminated with a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. (Read about "Toxoplasmosis") If a pregnant woman becomes infected, the infection can be transferred to the fetus, potentially resulting in a miscarriage. In addition, FDA says pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should be aware of the hazards of eating certain kinds of fish, specifically shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, because these fish may contain high levels of methyl mercury which may harm an unborn baby's developing nervous system. (Read about "Nervous System") FDA says pregnant and nursing women should not eat more than six ounces of "white" or "albacore" tuna or tuna steak each week, and should not eat more than 2 servings or 12 ounces total of fish per week.

Finally, for pregnant women as for most everyone else, it's important to remember that a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is always a good idea, setting the stage for good health now and in the years to come.

Clinical Advice...

***Daily Diet for a Pregnant Woman..***

Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the healthy growth of your baby. If you are already a healthy eater, there are probably only a few adjustments you will need to make to your diet. Below is a basic outline of the nutritional requirement for a pregnant woman. If you are still unsure about your diet, you may wish to consult with a nutritionist to make sure you are getting the right nutrition.

Caloric Needs

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pregnant women only need about 300 calories more per day than they did before becoming pregnant. Most of these calories should come from lean protein and vitamin-rich foods. For example, this extra 300 calories could come from eating an additional half of a peanut butter sandwich with a glass of skim milk.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important source of iron, folic acid, B vitamins, and fiber. Pregnant women should consume about six to nine servings of whole grain bread, pasta, rice, or cereal daily. A serving is equal to one slice of bread or half a cup of rice, pasta, or cereal.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Pregnant women should eat about three servings of fruit per day and four servings of vegetables every day. Two nutrients in particular, beta carotene and Vitamin C are very important for the health of you and your growing baby. Some vegetables high in these nutrients include broccoli, spinach, green peppers, collard greens, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. Some fruits high in these nutrients include cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, watermelon, and strawberries.

Protein

Pregnant women should aim to get about 60 grams of protein every day in the form of lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. All meat should be thoroughly cooked because the bacteria contained in raw meat can be harmful to you and your baby. Shellfish such as oysters and clams should be avoided, as well as any fish that is raw or high in mercury content.

Dairy

Dairy products are a great source of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and B vitamins. Pregnant women should get about four servings of dairy products daily in the form of yogurt, milk, cheese, and tofu. Eating low-fat or fat-free dairy products instead of full fat can help keep your fat intake down.

Supplements

Most physicians would recommend that a pregnant women take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin every day during pregnancy. This can help to ensure that you and your baby are getting all of the nutrients needed for good health. This supplement should contain folic acid, iron, and calcium.