documents.
The morning handover started.
One of my classmates joined the group soon after.
Dr. John was one of my neurosurgery teachers.
Dr James, one of my neurology teachers, was the first to present his patients.
"Patient Alex Brad, 10 months old."
A mother rushed toward Dr. James, holding her baby.
"I came for my baby. His head has enlarged over the past six days," the mother said.
"Do an urgent brain imaging assessment. I'm suspecting hydrocephalus."
"He has hydrocephalus," Dr. John said after reviewing the imaging.
"Hydrocephalus can occur in children and adults. In a baby, rapidly increasing head circumference is an important warning sign."
"How is it treated? Does he need surgery?"
"That depends on the cause and severity. If there is acute obstructive hydrocephalus with raised intracranial pressure, he may need urgent cerebrospinal fluid diversion. A neurosurgeon will determine the appropriate procedure."
"Is it an emergency?"
"It can be. If intracranial pressure becomes severely elevated, brain herniation can occur. In the most severe cases, the brainstem can become compressed, affecting consciousness, breathing, and cardiovascular function."
"What's a brain herniation?"
"It's when part of the brain is displaced from its normal position because of increased intracranial pressure or a mass effect. If the brainstem becomes compressed, the respiratory and cardiovascular centers can be affected."
Dr. James called Dr. John's hospital phone through the neurology service phone.
"Hi. A ten-month-old baby named Alex Brad has hydrocephalus and may need neurosurgical management," Dr. James reported.
"Thanks for telling me. Tell the parents to come see me," Dr. John ordered.
"Dr. John is waiting for you in the neurosurgery hospitalization room."