What is the Treatment of Hydranencephaly

Hydranencephaly is defined as a rare condition in which the brain's cerebral hemispheres are absent and replaced by sacs filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment of hydranencephaly is symptomatic and supportive; therefore below you will find some common conditions that also often correlate with a diagnosis of hydranencephaly: Asthma- Often a preventative pharmaceutical regimen will be prescribed to inhibit complications of asthma.

Cerebral Palsy: All children with hydranencephaly have some level of CP, even if not formally diagnosed. Constipation- Children with hydranencephaly will battle constipation more often than every other complication.

Diabetes Insipidus: This is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water, which means an excessive urine output and higher sodium levels in our children. Management is possible with medical intervention.



Epilepsy/Lennox Gastaut Syndrome: Seizures are most generally controlled with a combination of pharmaceuticals and other complementary/alternative interventions.

Failure to Thrive/Feeding Concerns: Feeding concerns are generally managed with placement of feeding tubes and/or intensive feeding therapies.

Hydrocephalus: This is the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity. Many, but not all, children with hydranencephaly also have hydrocephalus. Medical intervention most often comes in the form of shunt placement to assist with draining of the fluid to decrease pressure and growth in head circumference for children.

Irritability: Most children prove to be most irritable during the first year of life, calming immediately upon the arrival of their first birthday. Causes are generally unknown, but could be related to muscle spasms and oftentimes reflux.

Spasticity: This is the increased tone, or rigidity, of the muscles. Oftentimes this limits the already limited mobility and purposeful movement possibilities for children, though therapy and pharmaceutical intervention have proven successful and management.

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