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Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus also called water in the brain makes the head of an infant or adult increase in size. This condition often appears strange especially among Africans, and believed to be a spiritual problem. 

Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of fluid in the ventricles inside the brain, the excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles causing a pressure on the brain. 

It is caused by imbalance the quantity of cerebrospinal fluid produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream.

The pressure of excess cerebrospinal fluid linked with hydrocephalus causes damage to the brain tissues and impair the brain function. 

In Africa, the burden of hydrocephalus is big, and studies show that infant hydrocephalus in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to affect over 100,000 new infants yearly. 

The common symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants are;

• Unusual large head
• Quick increase in the size of the head
• Bulging soft spot on top of the head. 

Other physical symptoms are vomiting, seizures, sleepiness, poor growth, and poor responsiveness to touch.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus in toddlers and older children are, headache, nausea, poor coordination, urine incontinence, and eyes fixed downward.

There are treatments including surgery for this condition to help toddlers lead a normal life. 

Hydrocephalus is not a spiritual problem, seeing a doctor on time for diagnosis and treatment is encouraged to avoid long term complications.