Everybody has cerebrospinal fluid (or CSF) circulating the brain and spinal cord which protects the brain from injury or serious impact. It also helps keep the brain healthy by removing unnecessary waste products. Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is an excessive amount of CSF that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Without treatment, damage may occur to the brain tissues. Usually, treatment is surgery, which includes insertion of a shunt (a long tube) that will drain fluid from the brain, normally into the abdominal cavity. With treatment, children may lead an independent life, depending on the cause of the condition. However, there may be neurological problems that will affect learning and development. Read the article to know learning disability in children with hydrocephalus.
1) Hyper-verbal communication-
Also known as “cocktail party syndrome”—is commonly found in children with hydrocephalus. The child never seems to stop talking and the content, if analyzed, is usually superficial or even inappropriate to the situation.
2) Problem with understanding-
It may be reflected by difficulty in answering or responding to questions appropriately.
3) Impressive memory skills-
This can fool adults and teachers into thinking that the child understands more than he or she does. But the fact is these children can remember lengthy tracts but if questioned about the content they may not be able to explain or answer the question.
4) Poor abstract reasoning abilities-
Most of the children with hydrocephalus have difficulty with math. For some students, higher abstract math, like algebra, maybe impossible. the academic program may need to be modified to help such children.
5) Trouble paying attention-
Some children with hydrocephalus may have trouble paying attention in class. They are sometimes labeled as lazy, dreamy, unmotivated or inattentive—but in fact, they are trying to stay on stay focused, or they may have gotten confused because of too many commands given at once.
6) Poor psycho-motor coordination-
Fine-motor and Visual Motor Skills are affected for example there is a difficulty with printing and cursive writing, cutting with scissors, tracing, artwork and participating in games. Handwriting may be poor and unevenly spaced. Children may have difficulty judging distance and direction or see and organizing a sequence of movements or events. They may also have trouble in interpreting meaning from pictures, keeping within lines when coloring or finding their place on a page.
7) Impaired spatial orientation-
Children with hydrocephalus have impaired ability to assess the size, distance, direction, position or quantity.
For more information, you can visit hydroassoc.org and NHS.
