Surgical programme for children with hydrocephalus

IMPACT helps to fund special surgical programmes in Bangladesh and Tanzania for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

This young patient is currently receiving care under IMPACT Bangladesh's special project, 'Combating Hydrocephalus amongst poor children in Bangladesh'.

The pioneering surgery carried out can enhance quality of life and life expectancy for seriously ill children who would otherwise have no hope of treatment.

IMPACT Bangladesh describe how, 'Paediatric hydrocephalus and spina bifida can lead to severe disability and even death if untreated. Unfortunately the proper treatment facility of such diseases is almost non-existent in most of the areas in Bangladesh, even in most of the large cities.'

Hydrocephalus (sometimes referred to as 'water on the brain') usually occurs when excess fluid accumulates on the brain, most often because of an obstruction preventing proper fluid circulation and drainage within the central nervous system. The excess fluid pushes fragile brain tissues up against the skull bones resulting severe brain damage. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or a child may develop it as a consequence of infection of brain and its coverings at early ages due to lack of proper treatment. Identifying and treating children as early as possible is very important.

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