What it is, in plain words

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain's ventricles instead of draining and being absorbed normally. The extra fluid can increase pressure on the brain.

The most common treatment is a shunt, a thin tube that drains excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. Some children are treated with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which creates a new pathway for fluid to flow.

Signs care teams commonly mention include headache, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, irritability, changes in behaviour or alertness, a bulging soft spot in babies, and eyes that look downward. If you suspect a shunt problem, contact your neurosurgery team or emergency services right away.

Yes. Twins, including identical twins, can have different health conditions. In our family one twin was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and the other was not.

Many children with hydrocephalus go to school, play, and live full, joyful lives, usually with regular check-ups and monitoring. Every child is different, so outlook depends on the cause and on each child's needs.

We give each twin regular one-on-one time, explain hospital visits in age-appropriate words, and try not to compare them. Being fair means giving each child what they need, not always giving both the same thing.