Scholarship details
Hydrocephalus is a chronic, neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles, resulting in pressure on the brain. It affects over 1 million Americans, ranging from infants and older children to young and middle-aged adults, as well as seniors. There is currently no cure for hydrocephalus, but it can be treatable.
CSF is produced in the ventricles and in the choroid plexus. It circulates through the ventricular system in the brain and is absorbed into the bloodstream. CSF is in constant circulation and has many functions. It surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion against injury. CSF contains nutrients and proteins that are needed for the nourishment and normal function of the brain. It carries waste products away from surrounding tissues.
Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an imbalance between the amount of CSF that is produced and the rate at which it is absorbed. As the CSF builds up, it causes the ventricles to enlarge and the pressure inside the head to increase.
The Medical Advisory Board (MAB) of the Hydrocephalus Association was established to provide advice and guidance to the staff and Board of Directors. MAB members are selected for their medical knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus, as well as for their compassion and sensitivity to the needs of patients and their families.
Founded in 1983 by the parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association is the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus. We fund high-impact research, provide support and educational resources for patients and caregivers, and advocate on behalf of the hydrocephalus community on key policies and legislation.
Since 2009, Hydrocephalus Association has invested over $12 million in cutting-edge research, making us the largest non-profit, non-governmental funder of hydrocephalus research in the United States. Hydrocephalus Association’s mission is to find a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those impacted by the condition.
Hydrocephalus can be diagnosed through it’s symptoms:
The clinical presentation of hydrocephalus varies with chronicity. Acute dilatation of the ventricular system is more likely to manifest with the nonspecific signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). By contrast, chronic dilatation (especially in the elderly population) may have a more insidious onset presenting, for instance, with Hakim’s triad.
Symptoms of increased ICP may include headaches, vomiting, nausea, papilledema, sleepiness, or coma. With increased levels of CSF, there have been cases of hearing loss due to CSF creating pressure on the auditory pathways or disrupting the communication of inner ear fluid. Elevated ICP of different etiologies have been linked to sensory hearing loss (SNHL). Transient SNHL has been reported after the loss of CSF with shunt surgeries. Hearing loss is a rare but well-known sequela of procedures resulting in CSF loss. Elevated ICP may result in uncal or tonsillar herniation, with resulting life-threatening brain stem compression.
As well as, by spatial orientation. This is the ability to assess the size, distance, direction, position, or quantity. There may be problems differentiating left from right, over and under, backward, or forward.
Eligibility
- All applicants must be 17 years or older, this is an age limit based scholarship.
- This scholarships is only for students that have hydrocephalus.
- This is neither a merit or financial-based scholarship.
- Both male and female students are welcomed to apply.
- Extensions on this scholarship are not permitted.
- Only domestic United State citizens may apply.
- Students must share what field study they intend to progressively approach as they go forward with their college education.
- All students must write an “about me” bio to share their experiences with hydrocephalus.
Requirements
Students are required to acquire at least one letter of reference. This must be from someone who can share important insight about the student’s character. The recommender must be from a school official, instructor, clergy member, work supervisor, athletic coach, or another person who knows the student well enough to provide insight. The person recommending the student cannot be a family member.
How to Apply
Applicants will need to complete a registration form online to receive a username and password. Afterward, students will be able to submit their application.
Students can only fill out the online form through the “submit the online application” section. From there students will need to provide proof that they do have hydrocephalus. Along with filling out basic information such as full name, current address, most current e-mail address, and intended school the student wishes to attend.
Reward – Extra Benefits
All individual’s who plan on submitting should know tat this award is solely to be used for educational purposes such as a two or four-year college, a high school post-graduate year to prepare for college, technical or trade school, an accredited employment-training program, or a post-graduate program.
Students can apply for this scholarship each year even if they have won before. It’s because this scholarship is not “renewable.”
Some of the amount can go towards housing, however, the funds must be used towards education fees. Such as tuition, equipment fees, textbook fees, and etc.
The earliest date that students will be notified if they have been selected will be in early September of the same year.
Deadline
The official deadline date is April 1, 2022. This gives students a 4-month advantage to create an application to submit for this scholarship. If a different deadline date does come up, students are asked to check the website beforehand.
Open Submission Window Time Frame
The open window submission time frame last from January 1 – April 1, 2022. This is the general open submission window time frame, there are no extension periods and all students should submit their application during January 1 – April 1, 2022.
Annual
This is an annual scholarship that occurs each April. It should be noted that students can not submit an application until they have the letter of recommendation ready to send in with the application. This is the only way the scholarship application will be fully complete and ready for a panel of judges to decide which student will be the recipient of this award.
