Shafiu I., 1

4months old Shafiu lives with his parents his father is a taxi driver while his mother is a house wife. The child is the 2nd surviving child of his mother. Abandoned by his father, the child mother has refused to let him die of this ailments so she has taken him to live with his uncle who is also of limited resources but more educated than his father. When the Shafiu was born, he had a small swelling behind his head and as he grew older the swelling continued to increase in size. Also noticeable is an increase in size of the left part of his head. Unsure what was they went to General Hospital for checkup the doctors there referred them to Epsilon to see a neurosurgeon for further evaluation. Upon presentation at our hospital, he was evaluated and diagnosed with Occipital Encephalocele associated with hydrocephalus and posterior Arachnoid cyst.

Shafiu Ibrahim was born with a small swelling at the back of his head that progressively increased in size as he grew older, accompanied by noticeable enlargement of the left side of his head. Concerned parents initially took him to the General Hospital, where doctors referred them to our facility for specialist neurosurgical evaluation. Upon presentation, Shafiu was diagnosed with Occipital Encephalocele associated with hydrocephalus and posterior Arachnoid cyst, conditions involving brain tissue protrusion through the skull, excess fluid accumulation, and a cystic formation causing pressure on developing brain structures. The family first sought care at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH) but could not afford the required treatment. A compassionate nurse there informed them about the Helpster Charity, which supports indigent patients, and the family gratefully agreed to have Shafiu enrolled as a beneficiary. He was subsequently referred to Epsilon Specialist Hospital, where he was admitted for a total of 15 days. We performed emergency Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion to relieve the hydrocephalus, followed by definitive surgical repair of the encephalocele. He also received strong antibiotics to prevent infection. Shafiu tolerated the procedures well and showed steady improvement during his hospital stay. After completion of treatment and postoperative monitoring, he was discharged home in stable condition. With continued follow-up care, we anticipate good long-term developmental progress. Helpster’s timely intervention has been vital in giving Shafiu a chance at improved quality of life.

The doctor's opinion is that Shafiu Ibrahim has Occipital Encephalocele associated with hydrocephalus and posterior Arachnoid cyst, requiring emergency Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion and definitive surgical repair. With early intervention, the prognosis is favorable in terms of survival and quality of life. However, Shafiu is at risk of long-term complications, including motor weakness, gait abnormalities, and shunt-related issues, necessitating parental counseling and long-term follow-up.