Jorie Pinsof

Hydrocephalus

Characteristics

What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a brain condition that is rooted from the Greek words, hydro, which means water and, cephalus, head. Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal uid (CSF) within cavities called ventricles inside the brain Hydrocephalus is a major complication in 95% of Spina Bida cases. It may be congenital or acquired. If it is congenital hydrocephalus, it is present at birth and may be caused by events or influences that arose during fetal development. Acquired develops at birth or at sometime afterwards and can affect individuals of all ages. It may be caused by injury or disease

Since there are no national ydrocephalus is often accompanied by other medical conditions, such as Spina Bida. registries or databases, it is difficult Some physical problems associated with it are to establish the number of people vision problems, precocious puberty, who develop or are currently living headaches, seizures, poor eye hand with hydrocephalus. Experts coordination, as well as learning disabilities. however estimate that this disorder The most painful and frequent characteristic affects approximately 1 in every that my sister personally has to deal with 500 children. My sister has is the headaches. Because of the excess fluid Hydrocephalus and was diagnosed and pressure, she constantly lives with head later on in her lifetime. pain. Children with hydrocephalus are likely to have learning disabilities in IEPs as well as supplementary services, like access to a resource room often create a easier time during a mainstreamed specific information-processing areas.

Prevalence

Implications for teaching/intervention schooling approach. Since there are certain physical, learning and social and emotional issues as a result of Hydrocephalus, it
is best that the teachers and school are aware of the childs individual setbacks, and are willing to work with the child and family in order to create a healthy learning environment. In my mother and sisters experience, they werent always shown such kindness. Often the best advocates are the individuals themselves. They are the experts and because they can best describe their own needs, and can suggest great strategies, their input should always be encouraged and taken in with full attention. By listening to them it not only validates their opinions, but also encourages their self-expression. Things teachers can do: Provide additional time to complete timed tasks such as tests and assignments. Use schedules and lists wherever possible. Be sure to have the childs attention before telling or showing him or her something. Give short assignments that can be done successfully. Provide a separate room for taking exams, away from distractions. Provide an extra set of books for use at home. Allow verbal reporting as an acceptable alternative to writing. Decrease the required quantity of written work. Break down tasks and instructions into small, clear steps. Allow the use of calculators for math problems and tests. Communicate with parents early and frequently. Allow the student to use a computer and email for homework assignments. Use graph paper for math assignments, to keep columns

Credible Resources
This website provides a credible and resourceful fact sheet about hydrocephalus, in which the disorder is defined as well as other important questions are answered. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hydrocephalus/detail_hydrocephalus.htm#221183125 This journal article describes the use of a shunt for children with Hydrocephalus as well as the risks of language learning disabilities. Rissman, B. (2011). Nonverbal Learning Disability Explained: The Link to Shunted Hydrocephalus. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39.3, 209-15. This website provides a clearly defined definition as to what Hydrocephalus is as well as what are some of the causes. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/hydrocephalus.html This PDF is a teachers guide to Hydrocephalus. It not only defines the disease, but also describes the physical problems associated, the learning disabilities, social and emotional issues and then moves forward by teaching how to make a difference in the lives of the students and parents. http://www.hydroassoc.org/docs/A_Teachers_Guide_to_Hydrocephalu This website provides the difference types and characteristics of Hydrocephalus http://www.stritch.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/Radio/curriculum/Neurology/Hydrocephalusa.htm

Professionals and Parent Organizations

Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundations mission is to educate the community about this condition. It also supports families, friends and children diagnosed with this condition. http://www.hydrocephaluskids.org/wordpress/ National Hydrocephalus Foundation and its website provide information in and support to help families and patients confronted by illness know that they are not alone in their journey, and there are resources and people available for support. http://nhfonline.org/ The Hydrocephalus Associations mission is to eliminate the challenges oh hydrocephalus through support, education, advocacy and research. http://www.hydroassoc.org/