TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

 Introduction
 Statement of the Problem
 Significance of the Study
 Scope and Limitation of the Study
 Perspective of the Researcher

CHAPTER II

 Review of Related Literature and Studies

CHAPTER III

 Methodology
 Case study subject
 Types of data that we are gathered
 Data gathering techniques

CHAPTER IV

 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of data

CHAPTER V

 Summary of Findings, Conclusion ad Recommendation

 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband and
wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life of
relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity
within society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral
values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is an initiation into life
in society.

Living with a disabled child can have profound effects on the entire family–parents,
siblings, and extended family members. It is a unique shared experience for families and can
affect all aspects of family functioning. On the positive side, it can broaden horizons, increase
family members' awareness of their inner strength, enhance family cohesion, and encourage
connections to community groups or religious institutions. On the negative side, the time and
financial costs, physical and emotional demands, and logistical complexities associated with
raising a disabled child can have far-reaching effects as we describe below. The impacts will
likely depend on the type of condition and severity, as well as the physical, emotional, and
financial wherewithal of the family and the resources that are available.

Hydrocephalus means an accumulation of serous fluid within the cranial cavity. The
condition is frequently spoken of as dropsy of the brain, or as "water on the brain," and may
occur as an acute or chronic affection. The location of the fluid varies,' but is more frequently
found within the cerebral ventricles than outside the brain or between its membranes. The term
"internal hydro cephalus" is applied expressly to chronic hydrocephalus usually congenital in
origin, and when the word hydrocephalus is used without qualification it is this variety of the
disease which is universally meant. Hydrocephalus may be primary, or secondary to some other
disease.
STATE OF THE PROBLEMS

 What is Hydrocephalus?
 What are the symptoms of Hydrocephalus?
 What causes Hydrocephalus?
 How is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed?
 What is the treatment of Hydrocephalus?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is intended to provide deep understanding about a child having a

Hydrocephalus, its causes, how it will be diagnosed and its treatment.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on Mae Ann Agustino of Lindang Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
having Hydrocephalus. In this study you will know what is Hydrocephalus as well as its causes,
diagnoses and its treatment.

PERSPECTIVE OF THE RESEARCHER

As a researcher, I can say that this study is much harder because this case talks more
about the brain. This study is yet too hard for me to handle but as student, it is my will to seek
and bring you more information about this problem. I believe that by focusing on my objectives,
this study will be a successful one.
Later on we will be able to understand more about Hydrocephalus and the good thing is
we will learn a lot about it.
As I conducted this research I learned a lot about this disability and most of it will surely
be learned by the readers as they go deeper in this study.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Hydrocephalus of the brain occurs when there is an imbalance in how much cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) is made and absorbed, or in how it flows. One way to classify this condition is by
how the imbalance occurs. There are two main ways:

 Nonobstructive, or communicating, hydrocephalus occurs when the CSF flows out of the
chambers of the brain (ventricles) and into the spinal canal, but it is not reabsorbed
normally by the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes this type of
hydrocephalus corrects itself.
 Obstructive, or noncommunicating, hydrocephalus occurs when the CSF does not flow
properly between or out of the brain ventricles because of an obstruction, such as from a
malformation or narrowing.

In very rare cases the brain tissue makes too much CSF and the body can't properly absorb or
distribute the high amount of fluid. This is called overproduction hydrocephalus.

Cerebrospinal fluid sometimes builds up rapidly, such as with an injury, and can cause
sudden and severe damage if not treated. Other times the fluid gradually accumulates and may
not cause problems right away.

Types of hydrocephalus include:

 Congenital hydrocephalus, which is present at birth. Congenital hydrocephalus may be

caused by physical problems with how CSF flows or is made or absorbed, by infections
or trauma during fetal development, or by teratogens. It may be linked with other birth
defects that affect the spine, especially open neural tube defects.
 Acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or later. It can be caused
by infections such as meningitis, bleeding, injury, or a tumor.
 Normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which usually develops in people who are age 55 or
older. It is a potentially treatable cause of dementia. This type of hydrocephalus often
occurs after head trauma, infections, and bleeding within the brain.
 Ex-vacuo hydrocephalus, which occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by
stroke or traumatic injury. This type of hydrocephalus may not be a health danger for
some people, in which case treatment is not needed.

With all types of hydrocephalus, early detection and treatment are important to minimize or
prevent long-term problems.

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have
compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Hydrocephalus. These conditions may be a
cause or symptom of Hydrocephalus or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.
Hematoma

Hematoma facts

 A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.

 There are several types of hematomas and they are often described based on their
location. Examples of hematomas include subdural, spinal, under the finger or toenail bed
(subungual), ear, and liver (hepatic).
 Some causes of hematomas are as pelvic bone fractures, fingernail injuries (subungual),
bumps, passing blood clots, blood clot in the leg (DVT), blood cancers, and excessive
alcohol use.
 Symptoms of hematomas depend upon their location and whether adjacent structures are
affected by the inflammation and swelling associated with the bleeding and may include

Hematoma in Head Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a head injury?

The symptoms of head injury can vary from almost none to loss of consciousness and
coma. As well, the symptoms may not necessarily occur immediately at the time of injury. While
a brain injury occurs at the time of trauma, it may take time for enough swelling or bleeding to
occur to cause symptoms that are recognizable.

Initial symptoms may include a change in mental status, meaning an alteration in the
wakefulness of the patient. There may be loss of consciousness, lethargy, and confusion.

Stroke

Stroke Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of a stroke vary depending upon the area of the brain affected by a lack of
oxygen. All strokes involve symptoms that relate to impairment of nerve function. The
symptoms typically arise suddenly and most commonly occur on one side of the body.
Symptoms and signs of stroke can include:

 numbness,
 weakness,
 tingling, or
 vision loss or changes.

Confusion, changes in the level of consciousness, trouble speaking, trouble understanding

speech, vertigo, and balance problems are other common symptoms. Headache, nausea, and
vomiting sometimes accompany a stroke, particularly when the stroke involves bleeding inside
the brain.
Stroke definition and facts

 A stroke occurs when part of the brain loses its blood supply and stops working. This
causes the part of the body that the injured brain controls to stop working.
 A stroke also is called a cerebrovascular accident, CVA, or "brain attack."
 The types of strokes include:
o Ischemic stroke (part of the brain loses blood flow)
o Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding occurs within the brain)
 Transient ischemic attack, TIA, or ministroke (The stroke symptoms resolve within
minutes, but may take up to 24 hours on their own without treatment. This is a warning
sign that a stroke may occur in the near future.)
 A stroke is a medical emergency. The affected individual, family, friends, or bystanders
need to call 9-1-1 (activate EMS) to access emergency care.
 From onset of symptoms, there is only a 3 to 4 1/2 hour window to use clot-busting drugs
(thrombolytics) to try to restore blood supply to the affected part of the brain.
 Remember FAST if you think someone might be having a stroke:
o Face drooping
o Arm weakness
o Speech difficulty
o Time to call 9-1-1
 Causes of strokes include ischemia (loss of blood supply) or hemorrhage (bleeding) in the
brain occurs.
 People at risk for stroke include those who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes, and those who smoke. People with heart rhythm disturbances, especially atrial
fibrillation are also at risk.
 Stroke is diagnosed by the patient's symptoms, history, and blood and imaging tests.
 You can prevent stroke by quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, maintaining a
healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising on a regular basis.
 The prognosis and recovery for a person that has suffered a stroke depends upon the
location of the injury to the brain.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident or CVA is when part of the brain
loses its blood supply and the part of the body that the blood-deprived brain cells control stops
working. This loss of blood supply can be ischemic because of lack of blood flow, or
hemorrhagic because of bleeding into brain tissue. A stroke is a medical emergency because
strokes can lead to death or permanent disability. There are opportunities to treat ischemic
strokes but that treatment needs to be started in the first few hours after the signs of a stroke
begin. The patient, family, or bystanders, should call 9-1-1 and activate emergency medical
services immediately should a stroke be suspected.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) describes an ischemic stroke that is

short-lived where the symptoms resolve spontaneously. This situation also requires emergency
assessment to try to minimize the risk of a future stroke. By definition, a stroke would be
classified as a TIA if all symptoms resolved within 24 hours.
Brain Tumor

Brain tumor facts

 Primary brain tumors can be either malignant (contain cancer cells) or benign (do not
contain cancer cells). A primary brain tumor is a tumor which begins in the brain. If a
cancerous tumor which starts elsewhere in the body sends cells which end up growing in
the brain, such tumors are then called secondary or metastatic brain tumors. This
discussion is focused on primary brain tumors.
 Brain tumors can occur at any age.
 The exact cause of brain tumors is not clear.
 The symptoms of brain tumors depend on their size, type, and location.
 The most common symptoms of brain tumors include headaches; numbness or tingling in
the arms or legs; seizures, memory problems; mood and personality changes; balance and
walking problems; nausea and vomiting; changes in speech, vision, or hearing.
 Physicians group brain tumors by grade (the way the cells look under a microscope). The
higher the grade number, the more abnormal the cells appear and the more aggressively
the tumor usually behaves.
 Brain tumors are classified as grade I, grade II, or grade III, or grade IV
 The most common type of primary brain tumors among adults are astrocytoma,
meningioma, and oligodendroglioma.
 The most common type of primary brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma, grade I
or II astrocytoma, (or glioma) ependymoma, and brain stem glioma.
 Studies have found risk factors for brain tumors to include ionizing radiation from high
dose X-rays (for example, radiation therapy where the machine is aimed at the head), and
family history.
 Brain tumors are diagnosed by the doctor based on the results of a medical history and
physical examination and results of a variety of specialized tests of the brain and nervous
system.
 Treatment of a brain tumor depends on the type, location, and size of the tumor, as well
as the age and health of the patient.
 Options for brain tumor treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy
(or a combination of treatments).
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

As a researcher, I present the methods and procedures in gathering necessary data about
my study. Further, this includes discussion of research design, case study subject, types of data
gathered and its gathering techniques.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study obtained by integrating different techniques to provide coherent and logical
way through interviews, observations and research to ensure and address the problems
effectively.

CASE STUDY SUBJECT

This study is all about Mae Ann Agustino of Lindang Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
having a Hydrocephalus. This study focused on her disability, its causes, diagnoses and its
treatment.

TYPES OF DATA THAT WE GATHER

As I conducted this study I gathered some informartions from the childs parents,
neighbors, friends and some people related to her. Those data are specifically about her
disability, its causes and her effects on others’ lives.

DATA GATHERING TECHNIQUES

To provide necessary and essential data about my study, I chose to integrate different
methods and techniques that used as a tool of my study through observation, interviews and
research followed by the family of the respondent.
 CHAPTER IV

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of data

This chapter represents of the respondent background, methods used and analysis.

CASE REPORT

(Pesonal data)

Name: Mae Ann Agustino

Age: 5 years old

Birth date: February 17, 2012

Sex: Female

Civil Status: Single

Religion: Roman Catholic

Educational/School Attainment:

Name of Father: Bucay Agustino

Name of Mother: Josephine Agustino

Occupation: Housekeeper
 CASE REPORT NO. 1

SIGNS

 Eyes that appear to gaze downward;

 Irritability;
 Seizures;
 Separated sutures;
 Sleepiness;
 Vomiting.

The case statements above show the sign of having a Hydrocephalus. Since MAE ANN
AGUSTINO performed all those signs, it is undeniable that this child has Hydrocephalus.

WHAT IS HYDROCEPHALUS?

The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and
"cephalus" meaning head. As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary
characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once
known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — a clear fluid
that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an
abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially
harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.

The ventricular system is made up of four ventricles connected by narrow passages.

Normally, CSF flows through the ventricles, exits into cisterns (closed spaces that serve as
reservoirs) at the base of the brain, bathes the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord, and then
reabsorbs into the bloodstream.

CSF has three important life-sustaining functions: 1) to keep the brain tissue buoyant, acting
as a cushion or "shock absorber"; 2) to act as the vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and
removing waste; and 3) to flow between the cranium and spine and compensate for changes in
intracranial blood volume (the amount of blood within the brain).

The balance between production and absorption of CSF is critically important. Because CSF
is made continuously, medical conditions that block its normal flow or absorption will result in
an over-accumulation of CSF. The resulting pressure of the fluid against brain tissue is what
causes hydrocephalus.

What are the different types of hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at

birth and may be caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development, or
genetic abnormalities. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point
afterward. This type of hydrocephalus can affect individuals of all ages and may be caused by
injury or disease.
 Hydrocephalus may also be communicating or non-communicating. Communicating
hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked after it exits the ventricles. This form is
called communicating because the CSF can still flow between the ventricles, which remain open.
Non-communicating hydrocephalus — also called "obstructive" hydrocephalus — occurs when
the flow of CSF is blocked along one or more of the narrow passages connecting the ventricles.
One of the most common causes of hydrocephalus is "aqueductal stenosis." In this case,
hydrocephalus results from a narrowing of the aqueduct of Sylvius, a small passage between the
third and fourth ventricles in the middle of the brain.

There are two other forms of hydrocephalus which do not fit exactly into the categories
mentioned above and primarily affect adults: hydrocephalus ex-vacuo and Normal Pressure
Hydrocephalus (NPH).

Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the
brain. In these cases, brain tissue may actually shrink. NPH is an abnormal increase of
cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles that may result from a subarachnoid hemorrhage,
head trauma, infection, tumor, or complications of surgery. However, many people develop NPH
when none of these factors are present. An estimated 375,000 older Americans have NPH.

What causes hydrocephalus?

The causes of hydrocephalus are still not well understood. Hydrocephalus may result
from inherited genetic abnormalities (such as the genetic defect that causes aqueductal stenosis)
or developmental disorders (such as those associated with neural tube defects including spina
bifida and encephalocele). Other possible causes include complications of premature birth such
as intraventricular hemorrhage, diseases such as meningitis, tumors, traumatic head injury, or
subarachnoid hemorrhage, which block the exit of CSF from the ventricles to the cisterns or
eliminate the passageway for CSF within the cisterns.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary with age, disease progression, and individual

differences in tolerance to the condition. For example, an infant's ability to compensate for
increased CSF pressure and enlargement of the ventricles differs from an adult's. The infant skull
can expand to accommodate the buildup of CSF because the sutures (the fibrous joints that
connect the bones of the skull) have not yet closed.

In infancy, the most obvious indication of hydrocephalus is often a rapid increase in head
circumference or an unusually large head size. Other symptoms may include vomiting,
sleepiness, irritability, downward deviation of the eyes (also called "sun setting"), and seizures.

Older children and adults may experience different symptoms because their skulls cannot
expand to accommodate the buildup of CSF. Symptoms may include headache followed by
vomiting, nausea, blurred or double vision, sun setting of the eyes, problems with balance, poor
coordination, gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, slowing or loss of developmental progress,
lethargy, drowsiness, irritability, or other changes in personality or cognition including memory
loss.
 Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus include problems with walking, impaired
bladder control leading to urinary frequency and/or incontinence, and progressive mental
impairment and dementia. An individual with this type of hydrocephalus may have a general
slowing of movements or may complain that his or her feet feel "stuck." Because some of these
symptoms may also be experienced in other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus is often incorrectly
diagnosed and never properly treated. Doctors may use a variety of tests, including brain scans
such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a spinal tap or
lumbar catheter, intracranial pressure monitoring, and neuropsychological tests, to help them
accurately diagnose normal pressure hydrocephalus and rule out any other conditions.

The symptoms described in this section account for the most typical ways in which
progressive hydrocephalus is noticeable, but it is important to remember that symptoms vary
significantly from person to person.

How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?

Hydrocephalus is diagnosed through clinical neurological evaluation and by using cranial

imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI, or pressure-monitoring techniques. A
physician selects the appropriate diagnostic tool based on an individual’s age, clinical
presentation, and the presence of known or suspected abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord.

What is the current treatment?

Hydrocephalus is most often treated by surgically inserting a shunt system. This system
diverts the flow of CSF from the CNS to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as
part of the normal circulatory process.

A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. A shunt system consists of the shunt, a
catheter, and a valve. One end of the catheter is placed within a ventricle inside the brain or in
the CSF outside the spinal cord. The other end of the catheter is commonly placed within the
abdominal cavity, but may also be placed at other sites in the body such as a chamber of the heart
or areas around the lung where the CSF can drain and be absorbed. A valve located along the
catheter maintains one-way flow and regulates the rate of CSF flow.

A limited number of individuals can be treated with an alternative procedure called third
ventriculostomy. In this procedure, a neuroendoscope — a small camera that uses fiber optic
technology to visualize small and difficult to reach surgical areas — allows a doctor to view the
ventricular surface. Once the scope is guided into position, a small tool makes a tiny hole in the
floor of the third ventricle, which allows the CSF to bypass the obstruction and flow toward the
site of resorption around the surface of the brain.
 CHAPTER V

Summary of Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

This Chapter presents the summary of findings of the case study and its analysis,
conclusions and recommendations.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this
fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your
brain.

Hydrocephalus can be congenital, or present at birth. Causes include genetic problems

and problems with how the fetus develops. An unusually large head is the main sign of
congenital hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus can also happen after birth. This is called acquired hydrocephalus. It can
occur at any age. Causes can include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors, and bleeding in
the brain. Symptoms include

 Headache
 Vomiting and nausea
 Blurry vision
 Balance problems
 Bladder control problems
 Thinking and memory problems

Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, causing problems with physical and
mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal. With treatment, many people lead normal
lives with few limitations. Treatment usually involves surgery to insert a shunt. A shunt is a
flexible but sturdy plastic tube. The shunt moves the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the
body where it can be absorbed. Medicine and rehabilitation therapy can also help.

By the given definition, symptoms, causes and some details hydrocephalus, the child is said
to have this disease.

CONCLUSION

The outlook for the hydrocephalic patient has changed dramatically over the past three
decades as physicians caring for them have devoted themselves not only to developing
innovative surgical techniques and improved hardware, but also to seeking a normal lifestyle for
their patients. The results we see today bear witness to the effectiveness of this approach.
 RECCOMMENDATON

Love, care and support are highly recommended to be given to the people having
disabilities. Children having hydrocephalus should not be judge, criticize nor be tortured.
Respect and fair treatment is what should be given to them. Instead of looking down and teasing
them, people should be more understanding and patient.