The internal hydrocephalus is caused by blockage of the drainage system e.g. in the area of the cerebral aqueduct in the middle brain or in the area of the three apertures, so that cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricles and can distend these.
The external hydrocephalus occurs e.g. after a Meningitis or a subarachnoidal bleeding and signifies the distension of the subarachnoidal space.
A combination of both forms is called a Hydrocephalus internus et externus.
In Neonatology an early diagnosis is important and even intrauterinely possible. Modern medicine makes it possible, that these kids are treated and rehabilitated and can attend normal schools, study and – according to the circumstances – can lead an independent and self-determined life. For all that there is little money in Rumania and the people are too poor to pay for these kids out of private savings.
Yearly, about 600 kids with hydrocephalus are born, which are given away untreated to children’s homes for the major part or die in their own homes. Only a few years ago, these children were called “vegetables”, with no right to live. Education of the society is practically non-existing and the attitude towards the disease is similar to what it was 60-70 years ago in Western Europe. These children need – like any other kid – adequate treatment, rehabilitation and attendance, often over longer time frames.
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