Resolved Question

Hydrocephalus (HC) is a chronic neurological condition, commonly known as "water on the brain". Presently there is no cure. An estimated 40,000 shunt operations are performed each year in this country as standard treatment for this condition. This is 1 every 13 minutes. Due to the lack of advancements in these treatment methods, many people are unable to lead full and productive lives.

Awareness is necessary & finding a cure is vital! There needs to be a better way of life for those suffering. I know this because at the age of 10 I was diagnosed. I am only one of the many who have suffered from serious complications. I have undergone 87 surgeries & over 60 have been in the past 3 years alone. The management of recurrent shunt malfunctions remains a serious problem for all too many shunted patients. Although thousands of lives have been saved through shunt technology, the overall design of shunt valves has changed little through the past 50 years.

Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of Cerebral Spinal Fluid in the hollow spaces of the brain. The center of the brain has a number of spaces that allow CSF(Cerebral Spinal Fluid) to flow freely from the spinal cord into the brain. CSF acts as a cushion, as well as a defense against possible infection. The fluid typically drains from the brain through a hole in the base of the skull and circulates through the spinal column.
Children...typically newborns get Hydrocephalus. Hydro is latin for Water, Chepalus means head in Latin. Hydrocephalus means water head..or water on the brain. It typically occurs because the fluid accumulates and does not drain properly. An operation that places a tube in the space with the accumulated fluid and shunts it into the stomach is often performed. (called a Shunt). The cerebral space (skull) has three major components. Brain tissue, blood and CSF. All three are incased in bone we call the skull when any one of them grows abnormaly you have increased growth in the skull. The pressure of the CSF pushing the brain tissue against the skull will lead to an enlarging of the skull. Untreated it can cause blindness...deafness...mental retardation and death.
My youngest daughter suffered from a mild form. She is now 21, and although suffers from some minor nuerolgical deficits, she is a teachers aid in a pre school.