We're One Million Strong! (Part II)

What is the pathology of hydrocephaulus?

Hydrocephalus is usually the result of the blockage of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow in the ventricles of the brain (pictured at left). Alternatively, hydrocephalus can also be caused by an over-production of CSF, as the result of a congenital malformation blocking the normal drainage of fluid, or as the result of an infection or traumatic head injury.The compression of the brain by the accumulating CSF can eventually lead to convulsions and, possibly, mental retardation. These signs are seen sooner in adults with hydrocephalus because their skull can expand to accomodate the increasing fluid volume. With fetuses, infants, and young children, the hydrocephalus causes an abnormally large head - with the exception of the face - due to the fact that individual skull plates have yet to fuse together and bulge outward at their juncture point.

 

Conclusion

What I'm trying to get at is this . . .out of the one million babies that have been born with hydrocephalus, those who survive are truly a miracle because, as you've seen, they've overcome incredible odds! I'm proud to be one of those miracles!