Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) performs a few very important functions. Along with providing cushioning to the brain and spinal cord, CSF eliminates impurities and provides nutrients to these vital structures.
Infants can sometimes experience problems with CSF. For example, congenital hydrocephalus causes serious health effects in newborns, so it is important for parents to understand this condition and how it is treated.
Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition where too much CSF accumulates within the brain and spinal cord of an infant. In many cases, hydrocephalus is linked to another condition or disorder. Causes of this health condition can include:
Newborns with hydrocephalus can develop symptoms like lack of appetite, fatigue, and vomiting. Parents might also notice a bulging soft spot in babies younger than one year.
Surgery may be needed to treat paediatric hydrocephalus, and procedures include shunt placement and endoscopic surgery to improve the flow of CSF. If the hydrocephalus resulted from a bleeding event, doctors may administer diuretic medications like furosemide and acetazolamide. When a diagnosis of meningitis occurs in conjunction with paediatric hydrocephalus, antibiotics may also be administered.
Hydrocephalus treatments are quite effective, but a child may require additional assistance after treatment. In some cases, developmental delays can occur, in which case doctors may recommend occupational and physical therapy.