The World Hydrocephalus Day seeks to raise awareness of this often misdiagnosed illness and foster global unity among individuals with the condition, their healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocacy groups. By fostering empathy and understanding, the World Hydrocephalus Day celebration seeks to improve the lives of those affected by hydrocephalus.
At the recently concluded commemoration of World Hydrocephalus Day, held on 20th September 2023, themed “Accessibility for all” Dr Taiwo Akindahunsi a clinical epidemiology expert called for urgent action to raise awareness about the prevention, causes, and treatment for spina bifida hydrocephalus; and to provide guidance, emotional and psychosocial support for parents of children living with the condition.
Dr Akindahunsi is a United States based Clinical epidemiologist and physician, with over 5 years of experience at the Center for Hydrocephalus and Cerebrospinal fluid related Disorders, was the lead speaker at this year’s World Hydrocephalus Day celebrated by members of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Nigeria (SBHAN). She drew their attention to how the high cost of managing children born/living with hydrocephalus coupled with the lack of awareness, stigmatization, and inadequate specialized facilities increase the burden of families of children living with the condition. Delivering the lecture, titled Bridging the Gap between Patients and Healthcare Providers towards Improved Treatment Outcomes for Hydrocephalus in Lagos State, Dr Akindahunsi defined hydrocephalus as a clinical condition where there is a buildup of fluid, known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in cavities called ventricles inside the brain. “The brain produces about one pint of cerebrospinal fluid daily, and old CSF is absorbed into blood vessels. A disruption in the production and removal of CSF can lead to an accumulation of CSF, causing hydrocephalus. “A build-up of cerebrospinal fluid strains and harms the brain, leading to cognitive and physical disability. It also makes the head of the child get bigger,” Akindahunsi explained.
According to Dr. Akindahunsi, only two public hospitals treat hydrocephalus in Lagos — state-owned LASUTH, and the Federal Government-owned Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba. “There is no data regarding the hospital frequency or population-based prevalence data for hydrocephalus in Nigeria.
It is difficult to get an accurate prevalence of the condition in Nigeria, as not all patients are present in the hospital. According to the global hydrocephalus epidemiology and incidence report, “It is known that hydrocephalus is more common worldwide in developing nations in South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America.”
Also addressing SBHAN members at the occasion, a Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Adebayo added that the treatment of hydrocephalus is essentially surgical, involving the diversion of cerebrospinal fluid. “One way is to surgically insert a tube, called a shunt, to divert the fluid from the brain into the [patient’s] tummy, where it gets absorbed. The other type of diversion involves the use of an endoscope. According to Dr Adebayo, with the endoscope, one can look into the brain and thereby create another opening or pathway for the cerebrospinal fluid to circulate and get absorbed. “The procedure is called endoscopic third ventriculostomy,” he explained.
On the causes, Adebayo said, “Some cases of hydrocephalus are present at birth from certain problems of development during pregnancy, while others are acquired during childhood or adulthood. “Birth defects and malformations like myelomeningocele (spina bifida) and infections such as meningitis are major causes of hydrocephalus in children in Nigeria.”
Also, using the occasion of World Hydrocephalus Day, the Director, of Medical Services & Disease Control, Eniola Erinosho urged the federal government to ensure a strong campaign for the prevention of hydrocephalus. According to him, preventing the illness is more economical than treating it. “Advocacy has to be on early identification and pregnancy diagnosis of hydrocephalus, Erinosho stated. By highlighting the stories of those living with hydrocephalus and the difficulties they encounter, anyone can help spread awareness about the condition, Dr Erinosho emphasized.
Responding, members of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Nigeria (SBHAN) thanked the speakers and resolved to do more to increase awareness of hydrocephalus and called on concerned medical professionals to join in the task.
