Hydrocephalus with 3 Shunt Placements

L., Good question to ask. Most hydrocephalus can occur just by chance. However there are genetic conditions that have hydrocephalus including an x-linked type that only affects boys. I would suggest that your doctor refer you or your son for genetic counseling if you want to know if it is genetic in your family. If you or close relatives are planning more children they could give you more information about any risk or screening. If your doctor doesn't know a genetics center in the area you can search for one on the National Society of Genetic Counselors website http://www.nsgc.org/resourcelink.cfm
I hope that helps. All the best to you, N.

Hi,
My son was born with frontal hydrocephalus (fluid in the hydroma) and since it was in the front, he couldn't have a shunt put in. He was probably born with it, but wasn't diagnosed until he was 6mos. He is currently 2 and doing ok. He is currently in speech therapy once a week due to speech delay (he isnt talking yet) and has pt bi-weekly due to tortacolis.
We don't have any medical history of this condition in our family but I am happy to hear that your son is doing well. Take Care,
T.

Hi L.,
I had hydrocephalus as an infant too. I was probably born with it, but it took the Kaiser doctors 8 months to diagnose me. This was 33 years ago but still. I have been fortunate to have only needed the one shunt. I have a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. The doctors have never been able to give me a reason either. I was a preemie though, so I suppose that might have something to do with it. I was slow to walk and talk but caught up, although I'll never be a star athlete. :) There is a support group called the Hydrocephalus Association if you're looking for other support. Hope it helps.

My daughter is 15 months and she was born with hydrocephalus as well. We found out at our 20wk ultrasound, we were able to plan for it before she was born. However, they don't know what caused it. My amnio came up negative for any genetic cause and my blood tests were negative for anything as well. The perinatologist thought she may have had a stroke in the womb, but no one knows for sure. She is the only one in our family with it. I hope it helps a little just to know that it can happen for unknown reasons.