Understanding the complications of Hydrocephalus
Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I started a new class on Tuesday and have nine more classes left until graduation. I am so excited! I am still working on my book, but it’s taking a while. I don’t know exactly when I’ll release it, but it’s definitely coming.
September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, so I want to talk about what hydrocephalus is, the different types, and my experience with it. I can only speak for myself and my hydrocephalus.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain. The buildup can increase pressure inside the skull, leading to various physical and neurological issues.
Hydrocephalus can be congenital, meaning it can be present at birth, or it can develop later in life due to an infection, injury, or tumors.
Common Complications Associated with Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus can come with a range of complications that affect both the brain and overall health. The complications will vary depending on age and the severity of the condition.
Common complications can include developmental delays in children, learning disabilities, memory problems, and physical coordination issues. It can also lead to vision problems.
Neurological Impact of Hydrocephalus
The neurological impact of hydrocephalus can be severe. The pressure of hydrocephalus can damage brain tissue, leading to cognitive impairments and emotional difficulties. For example, people can experience problems with attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning. Hydrocephalus can also cause emotional and behavioral changes, such as mood swings, irritability, and, in some cases, severe depression.
Physical Symptoms and Challenges
Hydrocephalus can present in a lot of ways. Common signs include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and balance problems. In infants, it can cause large head size, bulging fontanelles, and a downward gaze, known as ‘sunsetting eyes.’
Adults and older children may experience difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and decreased mental function. These physical challenges can significantly affect daily life, causing individuals to require ongoing support.
Long-Term Management and Treatment Options
In most cases, surgeries are required to manage hydrocephalus. The most common one includes inserting a shunt system that releases to another body part. This is the kind that I have. I have a VA shunt, and my tube goes from my head to my abdomen.
Another option is endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which is a procedure creating a new pathway for CSF flow. Long-term management can include regular monitoring and follow-up care to address any complications or shunt malfunctions.
My Hydrocephalus Story
I was born with Hydrocephalus as well as Spina Bifida. However, since September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, I want to focus only on this condition.
I weighed 2 pounds and 3 ounces at birth, and I also arrived two months early. Before I was born, the doctors gave my mom and the rest of my family the worst-case scenario. They said I wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, and essentially make it through life. My shunt was inserted when I was seven months old, lasting for 26 years. Then, I had to have a shunt revision in 2016 since my shunt stopped working. I was very lucky. The doctor said at least eight months’ worth of water (Hydrocephalus) wasn’t properly drained. If a few more months passed, I would have died. So I was very fortunate. Because of this disability, I have a learning disability and have to be taught differently.
If I were to give someone with Hydrocephalus advice, I would tell them not to stop fighting. You never know the outcome and how things might turn out. I would not change my life for anything or anyone. Just because you have Hydrocephalus does not mean you can’t do what you set your mind to. For example, I am a published author, and I am in school. I have a GPA above 3.0, and I graduate next year. So, everything’s possible.
Via Image Google
