What is Congenital Hydrocephalus?

 

A birth defect or brain malformation that results in an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavities known as the subarachnoid space is the cause of congenital hydrocephalus. The brain and spinal cord are encased in a clear, colorless liquid called cerebrospinal fluid, which shields them from injury. It transports nutrition to the spinal cord and brain and removes waste. The amount of this fluid produced by the brain is absorbed by the body in a healthy person. When there is hydrocephalus, the fluid does not drain properly and builds up, putting pressure on the brain.

Diagnosis:

Prenatal Diagnosis

Congenital hydrocephalus can be identified in a fetus as early as the third or fourth month of pregnancy using advanced imaging techniques. The abnormal enlargement of brain cavities can be more easily seen by the fifth or sixth month. Before the birth of the child, tests are performed to diagnose the issue.
Amniocentesis or intrauterine fluid aspiration may be used to check for the occurrence of further birth abnormalities linked to hydrocephalus.
Ultrasound — Conducted by a radiologist or perinatologist, this examination will determine whether there is an abnormal fluid buildup but may not reveal the obstruction.

Symptoms:

• Downward deviation of the eyes, called "sunsetting"
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Sleepiness
• Very large head or a head that's growing very quickly in relation to the rest of the body
• Vomiting

Treatment for Congenital Hydrocephalus:

Even if congenital hydrocephalus is discovered while a baby is still in the womb, treatment typically begins after delivery. The problem is typically treated by either removing the obstruction or tumour that is causing it, or by placing a shunt. A shunt is a tiny, flexible plastic tube that moves extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain and into a different area of the body where it can be reabsorbed.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a different treatment that can be used to treat some children (ETV). In this treatment, a tiny hole is produced in the third ventricle of the brain's floor, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass around the blockage and move toward the location where it can be reabsorbed by the body.

What is Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics?

What is Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics?

At children's hospitals, a distinct subspecialty called Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) focuses on a child's strengths and challenges within the context of the family from a bio-psycho-social perspective.

DBP Pediatricians: Who are they?

Pediatricians having a certification in developmental and behavioral pediatrics are known as developmental-behavioral pediatricians. The doctors have the education and expertise necessary to take the medical and psychological components of children's and adolescents' developmental and behavioral issues into account when making assessments and prescribing therapies.

The professionals are aware that a child's behavior and development take place mostly within the environment of the family. They try to comprehend how the family sees the issue and how the child's issue affects the family. Working closely with schools, preschools, and other organizations involved in developmental care and education, developmental-behavioral doctors represent their patients with behavioral and developmental issues.

Pediatricians that specialize in developmental-behavioral care assess, advise, and treat kids, teens, and their families in a variety of ways.

What are Developmental Disabilities?

• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians are pediatricians who have received certification in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. When conducting assessments and recommending treatments, the doctors have the training and experience required to take into account the physical and psychological aspects of children's and teenagers' developmental and behavioral disorders.
• The majority of a child's behavior and development occurs in the family setting, as specialists are aware. They aim to understand the family's perspective on the situation as well as how the child's problem impacts the family. Developmental-behavioral doctors represent their patients with behavioral and developmental disorders by collaborating closely with schools, preschools, and other organizations involved in developmental care and education.
• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and treat children, adolescents, and their families in a number of ways.