Question
A 6-month-old baby cannot lift her head, can roll over, and has normal appetite. She has no major abnormalities, but sometimes she trembles. What is pediatric hydrocephalus and how is it treated?
Answer
Pediatric hydrocephalus primarily involves an increase in cerebrospinal fluid. When cerebrospinal fluid accumulates excessively or is obstructed in its drainage, it leads to hydrocephalus, causing the ventricles to shrink and the brain tissue to be compressed. The treatment of hydrocephalus focuses on the child’s condition, with severe cases requiring surgical intervention for cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Early intervention can have minimal impact on some children. The main effect is the compression of brain tissue, with the most severe cases leading to near-death.