What Is Mental Retardation And Hydrocephalus
Mental retardation and hydrocephalus are two different neurological disorders. Mental retardation is a term used to describe a group of developmental disabilities that affect intelligence and social behavior in children.
Intellectual disability can be caused by genetic mutations, trauma or disease such as hydrocephalus or meningitis. Intellectual disability falls under three categories: mild (IQ between 50-70), moderate (IQ between 35-49) and severe (IQ below 35).
Mental Retardation: A mental condition in which an individual has significantly lower than average intellectual functioning, typically causing significant limitations in learning new skills and understanding what is happening around them.
Hydrocephalus: The accumulation of fluid on the brain due to an obstruction in the ventricles or the cerebral aqueduct.
Intellectual Disability: A developmental disability which affects an individual’s ability to learn and behave appropriately in social situations.
What Causes Mental Retardation & Hydrocephalus and How to Identify Symptoms in Infants
Mental retardation and hydrocephalus are both common issues in children. In this article, we’ll talk about the causes of these conditions, how to identify symptoms in infants and what to do if you suspect your child might have one or both of these conditions.
Mental Retardation:
● Genetic factors – This is the most common cause of mental retardation. However, it’s not a single gene that causes it but rather a combination of genes that can lead to mental retardation.
Environment – The environment can also play a role in mental retardation by increasing the risk for certain diseases like lead poisoning or malnutrition.
Birth complications – Birth complications like low birth weight, preterm birth and breech presentation increase the risk for mental retardation as well Hydrocephalus
Genetics – There is no specific gene that causes hydrocephalus but rather a combination of genetic factors that leads to this condition.
Hydrocephalus can occur as a result of brain injury such as trauma, stroke and infection.
Environment – The environment can also play a role in hydrocephalus by increasing the risk for certain diseases like lead poisoning or malnutrition.
Birth complications – Birth complications like low birth weight, preterm birth and breech presentation increase the risk for hydrocephalus as well Environmental risk factors for hydrocephalus
Lead poisoning and malnutrition: Hydrocephalus can occur as a result of lead poisoning or malnutrition. Children are at increased risk for lead poisoning in the first few months after birth due to exposure to paint, contaminated soil, house dust, etc. Many children also suffer from nutritional deficiencies due to poverty and poor diets which leads to smaller brain size.
Exposure to toxics: There is no specific toxic agent that causes hydrocephalus but rather a combination of factors such as infection, trauma and genetic susceptibility that leads to this condition
How is Mental Retardation & Hydrocephalus Diagnosed in Infants
Mental retardation and hydrocephalus are two very common disorders that can be diagnosed in infants. A child’s mental retardation can be detected at an early age and treated accordingly. Mental retardation is a condition that affects a person’s cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, problem-solving, reasoning, memory and language. It is caused by a variety of factors including genetic mutations or injuries to the brain during the time of development. Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to build up inside the skull and over time it puts pressure on the brain. This pressure can cause headaches, vomiting and seizures. It can also lead to other health problems such as autism or epilepsy later on in life. Medical tests are conducted to diagnose mental retardation and hydrocephalus in infants which includes:
● Head circumference test: The circumference of the head is measured around 3 months old and again around 12 months old. If there is any difference in the measurements it can be indicative of hydrocephalus.
● An electroencephalogram (EEG): This test records brain activity while giving a visual representation on an EEG which is then analyzed by a technician.
A blood test: This tests the blood for mutations to genetic material that could be associated with mental retardation or epilepsy later in life.
A skull x-ray: A skull x-ray shows how much CSF can accumulate inside and outside the head, these images are then analyzed by a technician.
Treatments Available for Managing Mental Retardation & Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which fluid builds up on the brain and can cause permanent damage. It is often diagnosed during pregnancy, but it can also occur during the first few months of life. It should be noted that hydrocephalus is not always caused by a brain tumor or infection. A baby with hydrocephalus may have had a head injury, but this does not mean that the baby will have any other symptoms or problems in the future.
Mental retardation, on the other hand, refers to a developmental disability that affects how well an individual understands language and takes part in social interaction. People with mental retardation may also have trouble learning new skills and adapting to changes in their environment because they are slow to learn new things and do not respond as quickly as others might expect them to.
The following are some of the treatments available for managing mental retardation and hydrocephalus:
● A hydrocephalus shunt is a device to close the communication between the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and the cerebral spinal fluid by redirecting it to a normal drain. In some cases, medications are used to reduce pressure inside the skull and relieve symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, visual disturbances or headaches.
● An educational evaluation and placement is recommended, which can involve social skills training, cognitive skills training, academic enrichment and practical skill development.
● It is important to address the individual’s needs and support their strengths.
● Pain medications can be considered if the person is symptomatic; however, pain should be managed by a physician because of possible side effects.
