Willa E., 1

Willa is a one-year-old girl living with her parents and sibling in Trikania, Kaduna State. Despite early health challenges, she is a cheerful child who continues to grow and bring joy to her family. Her father works as a POS operator while her mother is a student, and the family faces financial limitations. She was born with hydrocephalus and a spinal condition, for which she underwent surgery shortly after birth, including shunt placement. However, due to missed follow-up appointments, she was later brought to the hospital with progressive enlargement of her head. On evaluation, it was discovered that her shunt had displaced from its original position, requiring urgent medical attention.

Willa Edwin, a 1-year-old with congenital hydrocephalus, was admitted on February 3rd 2026 for a shunt malfunction and prepared for surgery. On February 4th she had her ventriculoperitoneal shunt removed and reinserted, and the procedure was completed successfully with no immediate issues. During her hospital stay, the team monitored her closely for infection, CSF leakage, and any further shunt problems while providing careful wound care and regular neurological checks. By February 9th she was discharged in stable condition with healing surgical sites, normal vital signs, and good feeding. She is now being followed at the Neurosurgical Outpatient Clinic, where caregivers are keeping the site clean and dry, giving medications as directed, and watching for signs like fever, vomiting, irritability, or changes in consciousness while attending all scheduled follow-ups.

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, often managed with shunt placement to drain excess fluid. Shunt malfunction or displacement is a serious complication that can lead to increased intracranial pressure, resulting in progressive head enlargement, neurological impairment, and other life-threatening consequences if not promptly addressed. With timely surgical correction and proper follow-up care, the condition can be effectively managed, allowing for continued growth and development. Prognosis is generally good with intervention, but delayed treatment may result in permanent neurological damage or other severe complications.