Hydrocephalus is when excess fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) builds up on the brain. CSF has three main functions protecting the brain, removing waste and providing the brain with nutrients. The brain constantly produces CSF about a pint a day while old fluid is absorbed in to the blood vessels. However if this process is interrupted the level of CSF can build up quickly, creating the pressure. This excess fluid causes pressure on brain which can damage it. The damage can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
• Headaches
• Being sick
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty walking
Hydrocephalus can usually be treated with a piece of equipment called a shunt in the brain to drain the fluid. It’s a thin tube that’s surgically implanted in the brain, draining the excess fluid. If left untreated Hydrocephalus can be fatal.

There are three types of Hydrocephalus:
• Congenital Hydrocephalus (present at birth) – usually from infection mum has had rubella or mumps. Or birth defects like spina Bifida.
• Acquired Hydrocephalus (develops after birth) – can affect children or adults. It usually develops after an injury or illness. For example, it may occur after a serious head injury or as a complication of a medical condition, such as a brain tumour.
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus – only usually develops in older people, can sometimes develop after an injury or a stroke, but in most cases the cause is unknown, NPH is poorly understood.

How Yoga can help a child with Hydrocephalus…

Yoga will help to strengthen muscles both in core and trunk to help with crawling and walking whilst maintaining flexibility. Coordination stretches and brain gym will help keep the brain active on both hemispheres. Vestibular workouts will help with balancing. Suggested exercises are ones for upper body such as plank and wheel barrow when they are toddling. Head holding and Tummy time to strengthen upper back and neck for non-mobile babies. Avoid and upside down or inversions, roley poleys forward rolls etc