10-year-old Ryley was born with severe congenital hydrocephalus, a condition which causes a build-up of fluid in the brain, resulting in increased pressure inside the skull. If left untreated, it can cause brain damage, or potentially be fatal.
Ryley had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt fitted within 24 hours of being born. As a result of his condition, Ryley is partially sighted and lives with bilateral hearing loss, among other difficulties. He has undergone numerous shunt revisions since being born but hasn’t let his condition get in the way of him living his life.
Preeya is Ryley’s 8-year-old sister, and she too was born with severe congenital hydrocephalus. Preeya was an extremely poorly baby and required urgent medical care from Alder Hey’s neurosurgical team to have her VP shunt fitted to relieve the extensive pressure on her brain.
Preeya’s operation took 8 ½ hours and she has been left with brain damage and learning difficulties due to her condition. Despite this, she has grown to become a kind and compassionate young lady.
The neurosurgical team are fantastic, they show professionalism and dedication at every opportunity. Without this, Ryley and Preeya would not be here today. We will never be able to thank you enough!”
Mum Lauren
Dr Neil Buxton (former surgeon at Alder Hey) performed the surgeries on both Ryley and Preeya and now Dr Chris Parks provides follow-up care for them both.
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