Latest news with #hydrocephalus
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Boy, six, diagnosed with brain tumour after parents told he was just 'anxious'
A boy of six was diagnosed with a brain tumour after his parents were told for months that he was anxious over the arrival of his baby brother. Parents Amy Bott and Adam Brown said the "incredible" staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital saved their son Ethan's life after the mass was removed in a 12-hour emergency operation. It was identified as a low-grade, non-cancerous growth and he is now recovering at home, relearning how to walk, eat and write. READ MORE: First picture of Birmingham worker who died at industrial estate as police charge two men READ MORE: Birmingham bin strike latest after waste wagons delayed again at depots Ethan will need regular MRI scans and specialist care for five years and his parents, from Telford, aim to raise £5,000 for the hospital to show their gratitude. "He had three months of worsening symptoms and werre told constantly by doctors the symptoms were due to anxiety due to the arrival of his baby brother in February," the couple said. "Symptoms included ongoing headaches, panic attacks, behavioural changes, poor sleep and weakened muscles and coordination. "The symptoms were caused by the tumour but also a build-up of fluid on his brain due to the tumour blocking the flow of fluid to the brain stem (hydrocephalus). "On the day of diagnosis, we were sent via blue light ambulance from our local hospital in Telford to Birmingham Children's Hospital. "The next morning he was in for a 12-hour surgery to remove the tumour and ten days later we were given the news the tumour was low grade and non cancerous (polycytic astrocytoma). Thankfully they were able to remove the tumour due to its location. "We spent two-and-a-half weeks in hospital and have been home for four weeks where our son continues his rehabilitation. "He has had to learn everything from scratch again such as walking, eating and writing. He will also have regular MRI scans over the next five years and other ongoing care from Birmingham. "We're extremely grateful for the incredible staff and support of the hospital who saved Ethan's life. "It's been a hard six weeks but we feel incredibly lucky that the tumour was caught in time. We're now focussing on Ethan's healing and recovery which can take around six months. "We've set a goal to fundraise £5k for Birmingham Children's Hospital in the next 12 months. Amy also plans to donate profits from her business on an ongoing basis when she returns from maternity leave. "During our time in hospital, we met other families who are still in the trenches of treatment and recovery. We really hope these donations go on to help them and any other children who need the support of the hospital in future. "If you can help by donating or sharing this page it really would mean the world." To donate to the fund, click here.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus, the brain disorder affecting Billy Joel?
Singer Billy Joel said Friday he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder. He said it's affected his hearing, vision and balance. The brain disorder can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking. In a statement, Joel said he's undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to pause performances while he recovers. Here are some facts about the condition. What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid within the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is produced in the brain's four hollow ventricles or chambers, protects and cushions the brain and spine and normally gets reabsorbed into the bloodstream. But when the flow of CSF to the outside of the brain is interrupted or blocked, too much builds up. What happens in normal pressure hydrocephaly? Normal pressure hydrocephaly can result from a blow to the head, infection, tumour, a complication of surgery or other reasons. But many people develop it without any of these factors, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The increase in CSF happens slowly enough that pressure does not increase in the skull. Normal pressure hydrocephaly is more likely to be diagnosed in people over the age of 55. Joel is 76. Another type of hydrocephaly is congenital hydrocephalus, which is present at birth. It can be caused by health conditions, such as spina bifida. How is it diagnosed? When normal pressure hydrocephalus is suspected, a family physician may refer you to a neurologist. The specialist evaluates how the person walks, processes information and speaks and may order tests and imaging, such as a CT scan. The symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus are similar to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the advocacy group Hydrocephalus Canada said. "The combination of dementia-like symptoms, altered walking (shuffling feet, short steps, a feeling like one's feet are stuck to the floor) and urinary incontinence should alert your health care provider to consider [hydrocephalus]," the group said. Bladder function may also be affected. What are the treatment options? In the most common treatment, surgeons place a shunt that drains the excess CSF from the brain to elsewhere in the body, such as the chest cavity. A shunt is a flexible piece of tubing that is attached to a valve that controls the flow of CSF.
