Yuri's mother, Eva, used it for her baby several hours each day. Three months later, the curve in the baby's back had not increased, and it appeared to have decreased somewhat. However, it was clear that Yuri's overall development was quite slow. As often happens with spina bifida, she had been born with hydrocephalus . With this condition, liquid builds up in the brain and the head becomes larger than normal.
Brain damage can result.
To prevent brain damage, the doctors in the hospital had put a drainage tube, or shunt , into Yuri's brain. Nevertheless, brain damage was apparent. Partly because of her large head, she did not begin to lift her head, to roll over, or to sit, at the age when most children do. Except for a little motion of her arms, she almost did not move at all. Body movement is important for the overall development of a young child, especially for the growth of balance and body awareness in a baby who is mentally and physically delayed.