Meet Boy Whose Head Won’t Stop Growing

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Parents of a three-year-old boy whose head continues to grow out of proportion have made a desperate plea to members of the general public for funds to save his life through surgery.

According to Mail Online, Cao Pengwei was diagnosed with hydrocephalus – where fluids build up in the brain’s chamber – when he was two. Treatment to slow the swelling has not worked and he must now undergo an operation to drain the fluid from his brain. His parents, who lost his twin brother when he was three-months-old, told the People’s Daily Online cannot afford the surgery after racking up debts of 200,000 yuan (£21,700) on treatment so far. But the youngster could die unless he has the procedure, which involves inserting a shunt or plastic tube into the brain ventricle or near to the spinal cord, to divert the flow of fluid.

The condition is caused by excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain, which causes a harmful build up of pressure on brain tissues. The most obvious symptom is an unusually large head size but there are other symptoms including a downward deviation of the eyes and seizures. Many children display symptoms that can be mistaken for naughtiness, such as verbal aggression and swearing, hyperactivity, not paying attention and generally unusual behaviour. Children will often experience learning difficulties.

Cao, whose head measures more than 80cms because of the condition, has had to leave hospital in Jiujiang City, in Xiushui County, twice already because his family could not afford the hospital bills. Speaking through tears, mum Ding Meiling said it was heartbreaking to watch him suffer.

‘I’ve been worn out by the treatment but I don’t want to give up,’ she said.

‘I don’t have any solution now. I hope people with kind hearts can help my son.’

One to two of every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus, making it as common as Down’s syndrome, according to the Hydrocephalus Association.

Although shunts are permanent, they are prone to infection and blockage, which means patients may require several operations during their lifetime.

Most of those with by the condition have impaired mental and physical ability, although the effects can vary widely.

‘Doctors suggested us to arrange the surgery, but we have no money,’ his father said.

‘We are desperately hoping someone could help our son.’ Ding adds: ‘We’ll save him, no matter the cost.’