Hearing the phrase “water on the brain” in relation to your baby can be frightening and overwhelming. Medically known as hydrocephalus, this condition affects families from all walks of life and can be especially distressing for new or expectant parents.
It is important to know the facts including what water on the brain in a newborn means, the signs to look out for, knowing how it is diagnosed, and the treatments that are available to treat the condition. It is important to acknowledge the emotional toll suffered by families who experience water on the brain with their newborn.
What Is “water on the brain”?
The brain is always surrounded by a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid plays several vital roles:
- It cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord
- It removes waste products from the brain which are absorbed into the blood stream
- It delivers the nutrients needed for healthy brain function
Normally, CSF is constantly produced, circulated, and then absorbed into the bloodstream. Hydrocephalus happens when this process is disrupted causing a build-up of fluid in the brain. As the fluid fails to drain and instead continues to accumulate, it places pressure on the brain which can prove fatal if timely medical intervention and appropriate treatment is not provided — this condition is especially high risk in a developing newborn.
Types of hydrocephalus in babies
There are two main types of hydrocephalus seen in newborns:
1. Congenital hydrocephalus: This type is present at birth. It can develop during a pregnancy due to genetic factors, problems with the baby’s brain development, or infections present during a pregnancy.
2. Acquired hydrocephalus – This type of water on the brain develops after a baby’s birth, often due to complications such as brain infections, bleeding in the brain, a head injury, or other medical conditions.
Signs and symptoms in newborns
Some symptoms of hydrocephalus are visible, while others affect a baby’s behaviour or development.
Visible signs of excess fluid on the brain:
- An unusually large head or rapid head growth
- A thin, shiny scalp with visible veins
- A bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the baby’s head
- Downward-looking eyes, sometimes described as “sunsetting eyes”
Behavioural and physical symptoms of water on the brain:
In babies with congenital hydrocephalus, the symptoms to be aware of can include:
- Poor feeding
- Irritability or persistent crying
- Vomiting or being sick
- Excessive sleepiness
- Muscle stiffness or spasms, particularly in the lower limbs
In older children or adults, symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, difficulty walking and nausea can occur, but newborns often show the signs differently.
How Is hydrocephalus diagnosed?
If doctors suspect hydrocephalus, imaging tests are used to confirm the diagnosis including:
- A CT scan
- An MRI scan
These scans allow doctors to see whether there is an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain requiring timely medical attention.
Why prompt treatment matters
Water on the brain (hydrocephalus) in a newborn can lead to permanent brain damage if not treated promptly and appropriately. An early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the outcome and help protect a baby’s developing brain.
The signs and symptoms of water on the brain in a newborn can be noticeably clear, including an unusually large head, but must be acted on quickly to prevent the treatable condition from developing into a catastrophic and irreversible brain injury.
Treatment options
Treatment aims to relieve pressure on the brain by allowing excess fluid to drain. The most common options are:
- Shunt surgery
A shunt is a thin tube which is surgically inserted into the brain. It diverts the excess fluid build-up round a baby’s brain to another part of the body — usually the tummy where the fluid can be safely absorbed.
- Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)
In some cases, surgeons may perform ETV, a procedure where a small hole is made in the bottom of the brain to allow the fluid to drain naturally and bypass the blockage. The medical team involved will carefully consider which option is both the safest and the most effective in a baby’s unique circumstances.
Possible long-term effects
If hydrocephalus causes irreversible brain damage, a child may experience lifelong mental and physical disabilities which may include:
- Learning difficulties
- Speech and language issues
- Memory problems
- A short attention span
- Epilepsy
- Vision problems
- Difficulties with organisation and planning
- Issues with physical coordination
It is important to remember that every child is different. Many children with hydrocephalus, especially when the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly, go on to live full and meaningful lives with the right medical care, support, and therapies.
What to do if medical errors caused brain damage following water on the brain
If a hospital fails to recognise the symptoms of water on the brain in a newborn, and subsequently fails to deliver the correct and timely treatment to prevent an irreversible injury, a family has a right to pursue answers and justice.
Just weeks after his birth, his head was the same size as it currently is at the age of eight. His health visitor however, failed to refer him for treatment.
When he was eventually referred for treatment to release the excess fluid, and subsequently relieve the pressure on his brain, it was too late.
Our experts will forensically investigate what happened during a pregnancy, and up to a baby’s birth, to identify if and when critical medical mistakes were made.
A permanent brain injury caused as a result of water on the brain for a newborn not only changes their lives irreversibly, but it also has a life changing impact on the family as a whole.
Pursuing a negligence claim following a serious incident due to hydrocephalus, means that parents will get to the truth of what happened, and the peace of mind of compensation to cover their child’s lifelong care needs.