Understanding Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in Newborns: Function & Hydrocephalus

An unborn baby should naturally have a certain amount of fluid surrounding its brain, this is called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. This fluid surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and flows through the brain̵7;s ventricles.

Background

• Cerebrospinal fluid has many functions including cushioning the brain, alleviating pressure and balancing the chemicals within.

Hydrocephalus

• Too much fluid on the baby̵7;s brain is called hydrocephalus, which means ̶0;water on the brain.̶1; When the ventricles in the brain receive too much fluid, it creates swelling, putting pressure on the brain and possibly damaging it.

Diagnosis

• Hydrocephalus can be diagnosed by ultrasound. If unable to diagnose with ultrasound, the diagnosis may be confirmed after birth by testing through an MRI or CAT scan.

Causes

• Hydrocephalus may be caused by a blockage in the brain that prevents the natural flow of the fluid, problems with the baby̵7;s body absorbing the fluid or the body̵7;s overproduction of CSF.

Treatment

• Hydrocephalus is often treated with surgery to put in a shunt to help drain excess fluid. Drugs may also help reduce the amount of fluid being produced. Surgery has also been conducted while the baby is still in the womb.