By Winifred Lartey

Copyright asaaseradio

Consultant neurosurgeon Dr Teddy Totimeh has urged Ghanaians to abandon harmful cultural myths surrounding hydrocephalus and instead embrace science-based treatment and support for affected families.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (11 September) to mark Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, Dr Totimeh explained that the condition arises when the brain’s natural drainage system for cerebrospinal fluid is blocked, causing fluid build-up that can compromise brain growth and function.

“The brain is the most guarded organ in the body. But when the tubings that drain cerebrospinal fluid are blocked, the ventricles expand. Water pressure then pushes against brain tissue and limits its growth,” he said. “Where a baby should have 90% brain matter and 10% fluid, you can actually end up with the reverse.”

Dr Totimeh noted that hydrocephalus remains prevalent in Ghana, especially at major neurosurgery centres in Accra and Kumasi. Although advances in surgery now mean the condition is treatable, he warned that stigma and late interventions still put children at risk.

“Culturally, babies born with large heads were abandoned. But hydrocephalus is not a curse. It has clear medical causes, and it has clear medical treatments,” he stressed. He added that fortifying staple foods with folic acid, as other countries have done, could reduce prevalence rates significantly.

Joining the conversation, Jessica Naa Adjeley Biney, a mother raising a five-year-old son with hydrocephalus, shared her family’s journey from diagnosis to treatment.

“My son was born prematurely at 26 weeks. At about nine months, doctors at Korle Bu diagnosed hydrocephalus. We’ve had two shunt replacement surgeries—the first failed, but the second has been successful. Today, he’s thriving,” she said.

Jessica described the heavy emotional and financial toll of caring for a child with the condition. “It’s very expensive. Beyond surgery, there are medications, therapies, CT scans and regular reviews. There’s no real support system for families like ours, so many parents struggle alone.”

She also highlighted the social stigma her son faces. “People stare, they ask ‘what’s wrong with your child?’ Some even suggest spiritual causes or recommend pastors for deliverance. But hydrocephalus is not evil—it’s a medical condition. My child can have hydro and still live a normal life.”

Dr. Totimeh called for stronger healthcare policies and more public education. “We have a healthcare system that’s not adapted to the needs of the people. Families are exposed, children are exposed, and even doctors are exposed because we know what needs to be done but parents cannot afford it. We must enlarge the healthcare bucket to include conditions like hydrocephalus.”

He concluded: “Ultimately, awareness is key. We must replace myths with science, provide support for families, and above all ensure folate sufficiency for mothers to prevent future cases.”

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