Cannon also shares 10-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe Cannon with singer Mariah Carey; son Golden, 4, and daughter Powerful Queen Cannon, 11 months, with Brittany Bell; and 5-month-old twins Zion Mixolydian Cannon and Zillion Heir Cannon with Abby De La Rosa.
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. However, the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of brain function problems.
Although hydrocephalus can happen at any age, it occurs more frequently among infants and adults 60 and over. Undergoing surgical treatment for hydrocephalus can restore and maintain normal cerebrospinal fluid levels in the brain. Different therapies are often required to manage symptoms or problems resulting from hydrocephalus.
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Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus may vary depending on the age of onset.
For infants, common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:
- Changes in the head
- An unusually large head
- A rapid increase in the size of the head
- A bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head
Physical signs and symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness or sluggishness (lethargy)
- Irritability
- Poor eating
- Seizures
- Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
- Problems with muscle tone and strength
For toddlers and older children, signs and symptoms might include:
Physical signs and symptoms:
- Headache
- Blurred or double vision
- Abnormal eye movements
- Abnormal enlargement of a toddler’s head
- Sleepiness or sluggishness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unstable balance
- Poor coordination
- Poor appetite
- Loss of bladder control or frequent urination
Behavioral and cognitive changes:
- Irritability
- Change in personality
- Decline in school performance
- Delays or problems with previously acquired skills, such as walking or talking
When to see a doctor
You should seek emergency medical care for your infant or toddler if they have any of these signs and symptoms:
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- A high-pitched cry
- Problems with sucking or feeding
- Unexplained, recurrent vomiting
- Seizures
Because more than one condition can cause the common problems associated with hydrocephalus, it’s important to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
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