Literally Big Headed..........Hydrocephalus

Josh was born with Hydrocephalus. I know he's been through a lot in his life. Before my research, this is what I do know. He has excess brain fluid in his brain. He has a shunt that drains that fluid out so he doesn't literally drown himself. Josh had some major issues with his shunt when he was still growing. But it hasn't been a problem in our 17 years together. They check it with x-rays and CT scans. He also is more likely to get headaches.

Because of the fluid, he has a big head. I'm working on crocheting him a winter hat. I was iffy about doing it because he rarely wears hats. But the more progress I make, the more excited he is about having a hat that fits properly. The notes for this hat say a man's hat should be for a 23" head circumference. Josh's head clocked in at 24.5"!!! To be fair, part of it is genetics. Zach's is supposed to be 19" - 20" but slightly bigger for winter growth measured at my size of 22". The average for a woman.

Josh is a very capable person. When he feels sick, we check for the signs of an issue. But he can still do a lot of things. His hip is a bigger issue then his Hydrocephalus is. He's recently joined the Hydrocephalus Association. He takes comfort in answering questions parents of kids with Hydrocephalus have. If you have any questions about the shunt or Hydrocephalus, post them in the comment section. Josh will answer them for you.

But now I've decided to figure out how much of what I know is correct. Below is the link to the Hydrocephalus Association. Under it, is the link that talks about Hydrocephalus. But the website has a lot of great resources. If you or someone you know has Hydrocephalus, it's worth checking out the website.

http://www.hydroassoc.org/

http://www.hydroassoc.org/hydrocephalus/

I'm right about the excess brain fluid part.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities in the brain called ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles and in the choroid plexus. It circulates through the ventricular system in the brain and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This fluid is in constant circulation and has many functions, including to surround the brain and spinal cord and act as a protective cushion against injury. It contains nutrients and proteins necessary for the nourishment and normal function of the brain, and carries waste products away from surrounding tissues.

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 the pressure inside the head to increase.

With more research I learned that it can be detected during pregnancy in an ultrasound. CT scans and MRIs check the ventricle size. The x-rays they do are checking the shunt.

A shunt provides an alternative fluid pathway through which CSF bypasses an obstruction(s) in the fluid compartments of the brain, and acts when CSF absorption is otherwise impaired. Such a bypass relieves the excess fluid buildup that is responsible for hydrocephalus. When CSF production and absorption are in balance, hydrocephalus is considered “compensated”; when out of balance, complications associated with elevated pressure or overdrainage occur— causing the signs of a malfunctioning shunt.

http://www.hydroassoc.org/shunt-systems/

http://www.hydroassoc.org/complications-of-shunt-systems/

I'm not going to post all of the information about complications with shunt systems. It's too much information. Use the above link for that information. But a lot can effect a working shunt.

1. Shunt Malfunctions
2. Shunt Infection
3. Over drainage
4. Under drainage
5. Subdural hematoma
6. Multiloculated hydrocephalus
7. Seizures
8. Abnormal Complications

But I am going to post the symptoms of a malfunctioning shunt. They are found at the bottom of the "Shunt Systems" link. The shunt is crucial to treating Hydrocephalus.

Symptoms of Shunt Malfunction:

Infants	Toddlers	Children and Adults	Adults Living with NPH
Enlargement of the baby’s head Fontanel is full and tense when the infant is upright and quiet Prominent scalp veins Swelling along the shunt tract Vomiting Irritability Sleepiness Downward deviation of the eyes Less interest in feeding	Head enlargement Vomiting Headache Irritability and/or sleepiness Swelling along the shunt tract Loss of previous abilities (sensory or motor function)	Vomiting Headache Vision problems Irritability and/or tiredness Personality change Loss of coordination or balance Swelling along the shunt tract Difficulty in waking up or staying awake Decline in academic performance	Return of symptoms that were present before shunt was placed