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Did Your Newborn Suffer Cerebral
Palsy or Another Brain Injury Before
or During Labor and Delivery?

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Our Birth Brain Injury Resource Guide

the guide

Get a FREE guide of resources available throughout Ohio to children and families of children who were born with brain injuries.

Our guide can help you build a foundation of knowledge and tools that will help you help your child
now and in the future.

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Delayed Neurological Complications after Head Trauma - Hydrocephalus

The spine and brain are cushioned by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which provides nutrients and removes waste. The fluid fills the space around the brain, and spinal cord called the subarachnoid space. This fluid is recycled into the blood stream about three times every day.

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Hydrocephalus is when there is an over accumulation of this fluid in the skull. This increased cranial pressure can lead to serious damage. It is a serious and frequent problem that can occur after head trauma. This raises the risk of disease and can lead to death if not it is not discovered and treated.

Causes

Hydrocephalus is caused by problems with too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulating inside the skull. Causes include overproduction, blockage, or poor absorption. These problems all lead to an imbalance between CSF production and absorption.

Different kinds of this disease are congenital, acquired, and idiopathic. The congenital type is caused by birth defects. Many symptoms are present in childhood; although, some may not manifest until adulthood. Acquired hydrocephalus can happen during any stage of life from head trauma, strokes, tumors, or hemorrhages. The Idiopathic diagnosis is given when the cause is not known.

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Classifications

There are two classifications of hydrocephalus—non-communicating and communicating. The non-communicating type is also known as obstructive hydrocephalus. In this version, CSF gradually collects in the ventricles because there is some blockage of flow. Because of this, the ventricles expand, enlarging both hemispheres of the brain.

The communicating classification is also known as non-obstructive hydrocephalus. This type still allows communication between the ventricles and fluid filled space inside the skull. This kind is caused when CSF is not properly absorbed. Serious skull fractures, aneurysm, and brain hemorrhages can occur from too much fluid in the brain.

Symptoms

Manifestations of this disorder in infants and children include unusually large head, muscle spasms, drowsiness, and irritability.

Other usual symptoms include:

  • Neck pain and headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness and confusion
  • Poor coordination or trouble walking
  • Blurred vision

Other signs of the disease manifest themselves slowly over months or years, including:

  • Changing how you walk
  • Frequent urination and loss of bladder control
  • Slower reasoning and mental abilities