Referred to pediatrics for suspected hydrocephalus

[Mummyto4boys1122]

New here so hello 👋
My 3 month old has had his head measured a few times due to measuring on the 90 centile from 7 weeks old and then going up to 98 centile in a week, saw a doctor who said he was fine well since then it's carried on growing quick took him to the doctors today for something unrelated for this doctor to say his head is very large that he has sunset eyes and that he needs to see pediatrics as it looks like he may have hydrocephalus I'm now a worried mess and can't think straight 😭 how long did it take to get an app through if u have been through this also is there any one who has gone through this and its just a large head? He said his head was 46 he's 13 weeks old

He needs to see a neuro surgeon if they are considering hydrocephalus. Not a general paediatric consultant.

He just said a pedi :(

Some babies just have big heads. They can look a bit sunset. Genuine sunset ring due to Raised ICP is unmistakable.

It's unlikely that a neurosurgeon would see a baby as a direct referral from a GP. Most places, the GP would refer to paediatrics, who have a much shorter waiting list, and who can assess, and if appropriate arrange scans. And then if the scan did show hydrocephalus the neurosurgeons would then accept the referral as being urgent.

@nocoolnamesleft possibly, though I work in a children's hospital with a neurological unit. So don't see how it works for people in areas without one.

DS2 had hydrocephalus due to prematurity. It took several months of measuring to decide this and then it all happened quite quickly. Babies’ skulls are soft; it’s only when they’re older that hydrocephalus is very urgent.

Of course you’re going to worry and it might not be hydrocephalus, lots of babies just have big heads. But if it is hydrocephalus, the paediatrician will get your baby seen to quickly. DS2 needed an operation and had a shunt fitted. He’s 12 now and never had a problem with it.

Have you got an appointment with the paediatrician because I’m sure they will be able to help you and out your mind at rest?

[quote Toddlerteaplease]@nocoolnamesleft possibly, though I work in a children's hospital with a neurological unit. So don't see how it works for people in areas without one.[/quote]
Yeah. Many children don't actually have a handy children's hospital, and are initially seen by jobbing paediatricians at the local DGH. Our tertiary centre certainly won't take direct referrals from our local GPs.

After going to A&E because we didn't want to wait, we have been told we need an urgent scan as he has a very large head 46cm (13 Weeks old) visible scalp veins and not good head control and he sometimes gets sunset eyes but there not fixed, I'm so scared 😭

Oh goodness. Do you know when you might get the scan? The good thing is it has been noticed and you are now in the process. I am pretty sure that is what a friend’s son had, and after a scary time and an op, all was well and he has been fine ever since. Thinking of you - I know how scared you must be.

They tried yesterday to get the scan but was unable to so there going to try over the weekend I'm terrified I keep thinking what if he had a tumor are something I'm 💔