Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Once called “water on the brain,” the “water” is really cerebral spinal fluid – the clear fluid which surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. Hydrocephalus can result from cerebral hemorrhage and brain trauma, as well as bacterial infection. These neurological causes can be the result of medical malpractice.
The key to treating hydrocephalus is early detection, treatment, and prevention of infection. A baby with hydrocephalus requires frequent medical evaluation to ensure proper shunt function. At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, our birth injury trial and settlement lawyers have handled many cases involving the presence, or failure to diagnose, hydrocephalus. If your child has sustained an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hydrocephalus may result. It is simply one of the long term effects of brain damage caused by IVH.
Information About Hydrocephalus
- The treatment of hydrocephalus tries to restore the balance of cerebrospinal fluid production and absorption which may be accomplished through surgery for shunt placement, or a ventriculostomy.
- The symptoms of hydrocephalus in babies may include an abnormally large head, increased head growth, rapid increase in head size, a bulging “soft spot,” seizures, eyes fixed downward and developmental delay.
- Hydrocephalus can affect the brain and the baby’s development. The extent of the problem is dependent on the severity of the hydrocephalus, and the presence of brain or other organ system problems.
- With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the effects of hydrocephalus can be minimal. With delay treatment or no treatment, hydrocephalus can cause increasing pressure on the brain stem, and severe permanent injuries including paralysis.
Contact Our Birth Injury Lawyers Today
If your child has hydrocephalus because of a medical error, we want to hear your story. If medical negligence or medical malpractice was involved, we want to help. Contact the birth injury trial, arbitration and settlement attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for a free consultation. Call our San Francisco firm now at (415) 981-7210.