PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for a child born with hydranencephaly is

presented as very poor.

Death in utero, within weeks, or no longer than a year.

The oldest individual with a confirmed case of

hydraencephaly celebrated his 33rd birthday before his
passing.
 The survival of the patient is related to the integrity of
the brainstem, which regulates vital aspects, such as
temperature, blood pressure and cardiorespiratory
function.

For the child with hydranencephaly who survives,

there is debate as to whether or not to perform any
treatement, considering the severe brain impairment.
 There is no definitive treatment for hydranencephaly.

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Conditions

are treated to ensure the best quality of life possible.
Common Conditions
That also often Correlate with a Diagnosis of Hydraencephaly
 ASTHMA/
REACTIVE AIRWAY DSE CEREBRAL PALSY

Common in children with Assess ROM

hydranencephaly.
Hip or spine radiographs as
Treatment is similar to any indicated
child with asthma.
Neurologist and Rehab
Medicine
 Spasticity

Virtually all children with hydranencephaly have

some varying issues with tone.

Most common is stiff tone

Physical therapy
 Physical Therapy

MAIN PURPOSES

1. Maintain or improve function of all limbs

2. Prevent deformities and contractures

3. Help the child be comfortable as possible

4. Help them learn to play and have fun

 Physical Therapy

COMPONENTS

1. Preventing deformities by doing ROM exercise (stretches)

2. Splints, braces to maintain a good position in each of the limbs

3. Teaching how to position your child to prevent deformities and to maximize

comfort. This is done using a wide variet of pieces of equipment.

4. Using different methods such as hydrotherpay and massage to relax tight

muscles and improve function.

5. Using medications to reduce spacticity.

6. Surgery to prevent or repair damage from spacticity.

 CORTICAL VISUAL CORTICAL HEARING
IMPAIRMENT IMPAIRMENT

Legally blind Respond well to familiar

voices and loved music.
Enjoy looking things that
are bright and contain high Audiologic assessment
contrast.
Refer to ENT/ Audiology
Refer to Ophthalmology
 Hydrocephalus

VENTRICULOPERITONEAL (VP) SHUNT

To drain the CSF, reducing the cerebral tension and the

increase in the cerebral volume.
 Hydrocephalus

CHOROID PLEXUS COAGULATION

To treat hydrocephalus in hydranencephaly

CPC + Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy may

increase the shunt independent rate, preventing the late
complications related to the shunt device.
 Hydrocephalus

CHOROID PLEXECTOMY

Removal of the choroid plexus from the lateral

ventricles.
 Seizures

Reflect subcortical networks or represent non-epileptic

brainstem release phenomena.
 Thermoregulation

Compensate with removal or addition layers of

clothing, or use of hot or cold packs.
 Feeding and Nutrition

Assess per well-child practice guidelines

Plot weight, length, and OFC

Maintain weight-length ration at 5-50th percentile

Review drug-nutrient interaction

Assess feeding and swallowing skills

Consider nutrition consult

 Feeding and Nutrition

REFLUX DYSPHAGIA

Common in children with Special bottles

neurological issues.
Special hold
Antacids
Food or liquids thinned or
Feeding at least semi- thickened to specific
upright. consistencies.
 Feeding and Nutrition

CONSTIPATION

Increasing fiber in the diet

Medications
 Caregiver

Anticipate familys needs

Sleep issues for the child and caregiver
Acceptance/ Understanding of the diagnosis
Refer to support groups, respite care, information, and financial
resources.
Emotional issues
Lifestyle changes for the family and safety issues.
 THANK YOU