How do I manage my child's congenital hydrocephalus on a daily basis?

Because congenital hydrocephalus can cause brain damage that leads to problems with physical and mental development, you will need to keep a close eye on your child's development on a daily basis. Even if your child has had surgery to implant a shunt in the brain, there is still a risk of brain damage due to swelling in the brain. Your doctor may recommend that you seek the advice and help of experts, such as physical rehabilitation therapists and educational specialists. Sometimes, there are also complications with surgically implanted shunts. You will need to watch for signs that the shunt is not working correctly. Shunts can become clogged. Sometimes the area around the shunt becomes infected. As a child grows, the thin tube that makes up the shunt may end up being too short and will need to be replaced. If the symptoms of hydrocephalus return or if your child shows signs of infection around the shunt (such as redness and swelling, soreness, or a fever), you should talk to your doctor right away.