How to Prevent Hydrocephalus

Water in the brain or hydrocephalus is caused by an abnormal increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear fluid that protects and nourishes the brain and the spinal cord. When this fluid increases in hydrocephalus, the excess amount accumulates around the surroundings of the cranial cavity causing dilatation of the ventricles, atrophy (decrease in size) of the brain, and enlargement of the skull that is more prominent on the forehead area. Such accumulation will bring dangerous pressure on brain tissues which may cause serious damage or even death. To reduce the risk of hydrocephalus, here are some preventive measures.

Instructions

How to Prevent Hydrocephalus

• 1

  Know that hydrocephalus can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus occurs at birth and may be due to genetic defects or certain infections present during pregnancy. Acquired hydrocephalus occurs at the time of birth or later, affecting individuals of all ages. It may be caused by severe head injury, brain and spinal cord infection, stroke, and brain tumors or cysts. Symptoms of hydrocephalus differ with age. Among babies, an obvious sign would be enlargement of the head; while in older children and adults, headache with vomiting may occur, along with nausea, deviation of the eyes, and an impaired balance, coordination and cognition.

• 2

  Get your regular prenatal checkups. The moment you find out you’re pregnant, frequently visit your doctor throughout the period of pregnancy. Constant visits to your doctor will keep you protected against infections and premature labor--conditions that make an infant susceptible of having hydrocephalus.

• 3

  Watch what you eat and keep your kitchen utensils clean. Toxoplasmosis is an infection where in a microorganism known as toxoplasma, invades the tissues and causes damage on the central nervous system of an infant. Mothers who are exposed to toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy, make their babies vulnerable to having hydrocephalus. In addition to kitchen utensils, particularly knives and chopping boards, meat and vegetables must be appropriately washed and cooked before consumption. Let someone else clean the cat's litter box--it is not advisable for pregnant women to handle cat litter.

• 4

  Avoid being in contact with rodents when pregnant. Rodents like hamsters, rats or mice may carry a virus called lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCV). When this type of virus is encountered during pregnancy, the newly born infant can be at high risk of having hydrocephalus. So keep yourself away from these animals throughout the period of pregnancy to be safe.

• 5

  Visit your child’s pediatrician for vaccination. Make sure to keep track with your child’s vaccination--this is the best way to protect him/her against meningitis, chickenpox, and other health conditions that may lead to hydrocephalus.

• 6

  Make sure that your infant's high chair, crib, car seat and stroller are appropriately adjusted and equipped with protective straps and supports to prevent accidental falls that may cause head injury (which is a predisposing factor for an acquired hydrocephalus).

• 7

  Observe proper safety measures while driving or doing other activities. Always fasten your seat belts while driving and wear some protective head gear (helmet) when doing contact sports and other activities such as skating, cycling, rollerblading, or skiing.

• 8

  Practice a healthy way of living. Quit smoking, reduce your alcohol intake, eat healthy, and exercise to keep your system safe from heart diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke--diseases that may lead to having acquired hydrocephalus.