Acquired hydrocephalus differs; only slightly; from "congenital" hydrocephalus. Both types of hydrocephalus cause a problem in the communication pathways in the brain. Think of "congenital hydrocephalus" as a home built on a lousy foundation. On the other hand with acquired hydrocephalus, you have a great foundation. Yet, for one reason or another, be it a brain bleed (also called a stroke) caused by an internal blood vessel bursting; or possibly a car accident where the individual strikes their head; causing the brain to strike the inside of the skull; you draw the "acquired hydrocephalus" card.
Another way to "acquire" hydrocephalus might be a gun shot to the head; as in the case of Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ). Before the incident, Rep. Giffords was your average young politician. After the incident, however; Gabby had to re-learn various aspects of daily living. The reason, the bullet traveled across pathways of the brain that affected the Congresswoman's motor functions.
Personally, I feel bad for those who have to deal with *acquired*, because I believe it is more of an emotional strain on them. I have been disabled my whole life and therefore the "struggle" is a bit different. I didn't have anything "taken away", so to speak. I was not ever able to walk, without a great deal of struggling. I have been able to write; although family members and former teachers might beg to differ. Therefore I use the computer keyboard a whole lot more.
The one thing both I and Rep. Giffords share, might be the frustration that our bodies, at times, don't do what we are *wanting* them to do. Yet, I have had to deal with that my whole life and have come to an acceptance, of sorts. Rep. Giffords may still be going thru this part of the rehabilitation process.
It is my belief that those that deal with acquired hydrocephalus have a steeper learning curve; in order to retrain their brain to do the very things that use to come so easily.
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