[1] Although his parents wanted him to learn how to play any musical instrument, Hakim instead showed interest and curiosity for science in his early childhood, especially physics and electricity.
At 22 years of age, Hakim started medical school at Universidad Nacional in Bogotá, but his passion for electricity continued and led him to perform research in electrical output during digestion, the effects of low voltage on womb contraction, and the calcium formation stimulation by electrolysis.
[citation needed] Hakim continued working on NPH and for many years he has researched the mechanics of the intracranial cavity and CSF.
Carlos, with the collaboration of his father, has recently developed a programmable and adjustable (through the skin) valve which may prevent ventricular collapse when the pressure of the CSF is too low.
[citation needed] Today, 9 to 14% of elderly living in any type of assisted facility suffered from NPH.
[10] However, and despite the fact that this disorder was discovered in the late 1950s, and published in the mid 1960s, much more remains unknown, and NPH is sometimes misdiagnosed.
[citation needed] Hakim died surrounded by his family in a Foundation Santa Fe Hospital in Bogota due to a hemorrhagic stroke.