Hydrocephalus, which, in Greek, translates as water (hydro) and head (cephalus), is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles (cavities) in the brain. CSF is produced in the ventricles, circulates through the ventricular system and is then absorbed into the bloodstream. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord, contains nutrients and proteins that nourish the brain, and carries away waste. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and increases pressure in the head. It occurs in about 2 out of 1,000 births. The incidence of adult-onset hydrocephalus is not known. Hydrocephalus that is congenital (present at birth) is caused by a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors, such as spina bifida. Acquired hydrocephalus may be caused by intraventricular hemorrhage, meningitis, head trauma, tumors or cysts.
The most effective and common treatment for hydrocephalus is surgical insertion of a shunt, although an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is also an increasingly common treatment. A shunt is a flexible tube that diverts the flow of CSF from the ventricular system into another region of the body, such as the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, where it can be absorbed. The surgical placement of a shunt is a relatively short and uncomplicated procedure. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery involves making a hole in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF fluid to flow into the basal cisterns where it can be absorbed without putting increased pressure on the brain
and Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). Cerebral palsy can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems, and learning disabilities.CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a child’s birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a child’s life. There is no cure for CP, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common congenital (existing before birth or at birth) disorders of childhood. About 500,000 children and adults of all ages in the United States have the condition.
The three types of CP are:
spastic cerebral palsy — causes stiffness and movement difficulties
athetoid cerebral palsy — leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements
ataxic cerebral palsy — causes a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception
Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination, so even simple movements — like standing still — are difficult. Other vital functions that also involve motor skills and muscles — such as breathing, bladder and bowel control, eating, and learning — are also affected when a child has CP. Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time.
The Causes of Cerebral Palsy
The exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown, but many are the result of problems during pregnancy in which the brain is either damaged or doesn't develop normally. This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, or something else that interferes with oxygen reaching the fetal brain. Problems during labor and delivery can cause CP in some cases.
Premature babies — particularly those who weigh less than 3.3 pounds (1,510 grams) — have a higher risk of CP than babies that are carried full-term, as are other low birth weight babies and multiple births, such as twins and triplets.
Brain damage in infancy or early childhood can also lead to CP. A baby or toddler might suffer this damage because of lead poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome), or being in a car accident while not properly restrained.
Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy
CP may be diagnosed very early in an infant known to be at risk for developing the condition because of premature birth or other health problems. Doctors, such as pediatricians and developmental and neurological specialists, usually follow these kids closely from birth so that they can identify and address any developmental delays or problems with muscle function that might indicate CP.
In a baby carried to term with no other obvious risk factors for CP, it may be difficult to diagnose the disorder in the first year of life. Often doctors aren’t able to diagnose CP until they see a delay in normal developmental milestones — such as reaching for toys by 4 months or sitting up by 7 months — which can be signs of CP. Abnormal muscle tone, poorly coordinated movements, and the persistence of infant reflexes beyond the age at which they are expected to disappear can also be signs. If these developmental milestones are only mildly delayed, the diagnosis of CP may not be made until the child is a toddler.
Preventing Cerebral Palsy
In many cases the causes of CP are unknown, so there’s no way to prevent it. But if you’re having a baby, you can take steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and carry the baby to term, thus lowering the risk that your baby will have CP.
Before becoming pregnant, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and make sure that any medical problems are managed properly. As soon as you know you’re pregnant, proper prenatal medical care is vital.
Controlling diabetes, anemia, hypertension, and nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can help prevent some premature births and, as a result, some cases of cerebral palsy.
Once your baby is born you can lower the risk of brain damage, which could lead to CP. Never shake an infant, as this can lead to shaken baby syndrome and brain damage. If you’re riding in a car, make sure your baby is properly strapped into an infant car seat that’s correctly installed — if an accident occurs, the baby will be as protected as possible. Be aware of lead exposure in your house, as lead poisoning can lead to brain damage.
How Cerebral Palsy Affects Development
Children with CP have varying degrees of physical disability. Some have only mild impairment, while others are severely affected. Associated medical problems may include visual impairment or blindness, hearing loss, food aspiration (the sucking of food or fluid into the lungs), gastroesophageal reflux (spitting up), speech problems, drooling, tooth decay, sleep disorders, osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones), and behavior problems. Seizures, speech and communication problems, and mental retardation are also common among kids with CP. Many have problems that may require ongoing therapy and devices such as braces or wheelchairs.
Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
Currently there's no cure for cerebral palsy, but if your child is diagnosed with it, a variety of resources and therapies can provide help and improve the quality of your child’s life.
Therapies can help kids with CP achieve maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development. In addition, medication, surgery, and braces can help improve muscle function. Surgery can help repair dislocated hips and scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which are common problems associated with CP. Severe muscle spasticity can sometimes be helped with medication taken by mouth or administered via a pump (the baclofen pump) implanted underneath.If your child has CP, a team of professionals will work with you to meet your child's medical needs. That team may include therapists, psychologists, educators, nurses, and social workers.
Many resources are available to help and support you in caring for your child. Talk to your doctor about finding those in your area. See I had a brother that was hadicap and he had cebrebral palsy and due to upper respiratory complications he is now in heaven.Get him examined.
2007-02-21 11:19:21
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answer #5
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answered by thelilsxysmoothone 3
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