Hydrocephalus refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in your brain. The fluid accumulated in the brain is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a clear and colourless fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. 

Usually, this condition occurs with a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain congenital conditions at the time of your birth such as spina bifida can lead to this condition. 

What Are the Symptoms of Hydrocephalus? 

The common symptoms of hydrocephalus include: 

• A bulging soft spot on the top of your baby’s head. 

• An unusually large head. 

• Sun setting or downward gaze of your baby’s eyes. 

• Excessive sleepiness. 

• Vomiting. 

In older children, it may show symptoms, such as: 

• Headache. 

• Vision problems. 

• Developmental delays. 

• Nausea and vomiting. 

What are the Risks Associated with Hydrocephalus Treatment? 

A lot of people carry on their lives normally after hydrocephalus treatment. Some patients, however, may show certain complications, including: 

• Nausea or vomiting. 

• Lethargy. 

• Vision problems. 

• Headache. 

• Seizures. 

• Soreness in neck and shoulders. 

• Low-grade fever. 

How is Hydrocephalus Treated? 

Hydrocephalus is treated with only surgical procedures. Your surgeon may use any of the two surgical procedures to treat the condition: 

• Shunt: 

This is the most common type of treatment that involves placing a flexible tube in your brain which drains excess CSF to another part of your body where it can be absorbed readily. 

• Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV): 

During this procedure, the surgeon will make a small hole in the floor of your third ventricle. This creates a pathway for CSF to normally flow in and around the brain.  

Your skull is made up of different types of bones. The junctions between these bones are called sutures. Craniosynostosis occurs when one or more of the sutures closes early. Early closure of the suture can cause your skull to grow unusually and may even restrict the overall skull growth. 

What are the Symptoms of Craniosynostosis? 

The most common sign of craniosynostosis is an abnormally shaped head. The other symptoms include: 

• Nausea and Vomiting. 
• Headache. 
• Difficulty in moving eyes up. 
• Lethargy. 

• Bulging or soft spot on the head. 

How is Craniosynostosis Treated? 

The treatment of craniosynostosis involves unlocking the bones the reshaping the skull. Your surgeon may conduct the surgery in one of the following methods: 

• Traditional Open Surgery 

A traditional surgery may take more than 4 hours and is performed by a craniofacial plastic surgeon. Your child may be observed overnight in the ICU and for 3-4 days more. You may also notice slight swelling around the eyes for 2-3 days, however, it subsides a few days after the surgery. 

This surgery is usually performed around the age of six months.  

• Minimally Invasive Surgery 

This procedure involves making one or two small incisions and removing the suture to unlock the bones. This procedure is easier and takes about 1 hour to complete. Similar to open surgery, your child will be observed for a few days in the hospital. 

• Cranial Moulding Helmet 

A cranial moulding helmet is made up of a hard outer shell with mouldable foam on the inside. Your child is supposed to wear this helmet for 23 hours per day until his first birthday. The helmet does not put pressure on the skull but directs the growth of the skull into a normal shape.  

Spina bifida is one of the common birth defects in children caused by incomplete development of the foetal spine during the first month of pregnancy. It can occur anywhere along the spinal cord. It is, however, more often found in the small of the back or further down. 

Depending on the affected location in the spine, it can be of three types: 

• Spina bifida occulta. 

• Meningocele. 

• Myelomeningocele. 

Can Spina Bifida Be Prevented During Pregnancy? 

Although there is no known cause of spina bifida, it can be avoided with: 

• Adequate amount of folic acid. 

• Treating fevers immediately during pregnancy. 

• Avoiding the use of hot tubs or saunas. 

• Managing diabetes and obesity symptoms (if present). 

How is Spina Bifida Treated? 

Since spina bifida involves potential nerve damage, it cannot be completely cured. Children with spina bifida need to develop mobility skills and training to manage their bowel and bladder functions.  

Some children may require catheterization to permit the passage of urine or may even require additional surgeries as they grow up or require assistive support including braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. 

In general, surgery, physiotherapy, and medications are used to treat some of the effects of spina bifida.