Question
A baby born via cesarean section at 37 weeks and 4 days, with breech presentation and nuchal cord, has a head circumference of 45.5 centimeters. The baby can be amused, with a loud laugh, recognizes the mother and grandfather, can stand for a moment with support, and emits babbling sounds, but has not yet called out ‘mommy.’ In this situation, how should the issue of the baby’s hydrocephalus be addressed?
Answer
The main feature of congenital hydrocephalus is a continuously increasing head circumference. This condition may begin within weeks or months after birth or may be apparent at birth. As the head circumference increases, the baby’s face may appear relatively smaller, with the forehead protruding forward, the scalp becoming tense and thin, and eyes possibly showing rotation, strabismus, or tremors. The fontanelle may also enlarge, and the sutures of the skull may separate. In severe cases, symptoms may include frequent vomiting, restlessness, and