Related Experiment Videos
[Disorders of higher mental functions in the early stages of hydrocephalus]
Insights
Early hydrocephalus in children can lead to higher psychic function disturbances. These issues may stem from anomalies in brain functional asymmetry, indicated by a high incidence of sinistrality.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurology
Context:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles.
- Early-onset hydrocephalus, particularly when operated on within the first year of life, presents unique developmental challenges.
- Understanding the long-term cognitive and functional outcomes in these children is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose:
- To describe a specific syndrome of higher psychic function disturbances in children operated for early hydrocephalus.
- To correlate neuropsychological findings with the characteristics, etiology, and severity of hydrocephalus.
- To investigate the potential role of brain functional asymmetry anomalies in observed cognitive peculiarities.
Summary:
- Neuropsychological examinations were conducted on 32 children who underwent surgery for hydrocephalus in their first year of life.
- A distinct pattern of higher psychic function disturbances was identified and characterized.
- A significant prevalence of sinistrality (left-handedness) was observed, suggesting a link to atypical brain functional asymmetry development.
Impact:
- This study highlights a specific neurodevelopmental profile associated with early-onset hydrocephalus.
- Findings suggest that altered brain functional asymmetry may underlie cognitive deficits in this population.
- Results can inform targeted therapeutic strategies and support for affected children and their families.
Abstract:
The authors have carried out neuropsychological examinations of 32 children operated for hydrocephalus on the first year of the life. A syndrome of the higher psychic function disturbances characteristics for children with early hydrocephalus is described, and the results of the neuropsychological function examinations were compared with the character, etiology, and gravity of the hydrocephalus. In the children with the early hydrocephalus a high incidence of sinistrality was revealed, the fact, that gives one grounds to explain the peculiarities of the syndrome observed in them by an anomaly of the development of the brain functional asymmetry.