Many infants who have had intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), around the time of birth, have both cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. People with cerebral palsy constitute about 27% of the people who have hydrocephalus. Sometimes hydrocephalus resolves without any intervention, and sometimes other treatment can be given to stop it from becoming permanent, but in many cases it is necessary to fit a shunt to drain away the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If this were not drained away, a dangerous level of pressure would build up in the brain in many cases.
The surgery places the drain in the stomach, and it has recently been discovered that severe constipation, in children with cerebral palsy, can cause a malfunction of the shunt. Instead of surgery to correct the shunt, it was found that resolving the constipation could also resolve the problem with the shunt.
Asbah (Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus), tel: 0845 450 7755, www.asbah.org; and the Scottish Spina Bifida Association, tel: 08459 111112, www.ssba.org.uk. Charities for hydrocephalus support and information.
Cherian S et al. The pathogenesis of neonatal post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
Brain Pathology 2004 Jul;14(3):305-11. Review.
Martinez-Lage JF et al. Severe constipation: an under-appreciated cause of VP shunt malfunction: a case-based update. Child’s Nervous System 2007 Oct 10.
Persson EK et al. Disabilities in children with hydrocephalus--a population-based study of children aged between four and twelve years. Neuropediatrics. 2006 Dec;37(6):330-6.
