The Massachusetts PHF Hydrocephalus Awareness 5K is an event where we gather as a community to raise awareness and money for hydrocephalus research. Hydrocephalus is an incurable brain condition in which the only treatment is brain surgery. At the walk, we have raffles, a 50/50 raffle, a bounce house, yard games, snacks, live music and so much more. It is a fun-filled event for the whole family.
The walk will take place at 10-2pm
Registration begins at 9am
Millside Park
2 Ferry Street Easthampton MA 01027
Register today: Phfwalkma.com
Hydro Facts:
It is estimated that 1 in 500 newborns will be born with Hydrocephalus in the United States each year.
It is estimated nearly 1,000,000 Americans are living with Hydrocephalus.
An average of 40,000 shunt surgeries are performed each year in the United States.
Americans spend in excess of $2 BILLION per year to treat Hydrocephalus in the US alone.
Hydrocephalus may result from inherited genetic abnormalities (such as the genetic defect that causes aqueductal stenosis) or developmental disorders (such as those associated with neural tube defects including spina bifida and encephalocele).
In approximately 90% of the people with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus also occurs because the displaced cerebellum interferes with the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing an excess of the fluid to accumulate.
A significant number of shunt-dependent children and adults are plagued by chronic, often disabling headaches. These are usually not associated with other symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, and neuro-diagnostic studies usually do not reveal evidence of a shunt malfunction. In most cases, the CAT or MR scan shows small ventricles. The condition of small ventricles on CAT or MR scan coupled with chronic headache complaint has been termed the Slit Ventricle Syndrome.
Dandy-Walker malformation accounts for two to 10 percent of children with hydrocephalus. It is defined by hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle, and hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is more common (1,000,000) than Cystic Fibrosis (30,000) or Down Syndrome (400,000), yet most people have never even heard of it.
Hydrocephalus is the leading cause of BRAIN SURGERY among children in the United States.
The first ever Pediatric & Adult Hydrocephalus Congressional Caucus was founded by Congressman Leonard Lance, (NJ) and Congressman Tim Walz, (MN) by request of the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation. Prior to 2011, there was NO such group in Congress!
Hydrocephalus can occur as a complication of other diseases/conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and tumors.
NPH is an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles that may result from a subarachnoid hemorrhage, head trauma, infection, tumor, or complications of surgery. It is often mistaken for Dementia or even Alzheimers. However, many people develop NPH when none of these factors are present. An estimated 375,000 older Americans have NPH.
Shunt systems are imperfect devices. Complications may include mechanical failure, infections, obstructions, and the need to lengthen or replace the catheter. Generally, shunt systems require monitoring and regular medical follow-up. When complications occur, subsequent surgery to replace the failed part or the entire shunt system may be needed. Shunts have a 50% failure rate in the first 2 years of placement.
