Hydrocephalus

Question 1

What is Hydrocephalus?

Answer 1

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain which typically increases pressure inside the brain.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for Hydrocephalus?

Answer 2

> Congenital- malformations, aqueduct stenosis, neural tube defects etc.
Acquired- infections, meningitis, brain tumours, toxoplasmosis or intracranial haemorrhages

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus?

Answer 3

Vomiting.
Sleepiness.
Irritability.
Poor feeding.
Seizures.
Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)
Deficits in muscle tone and strength.
Poor responsiveness to touch

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of Hydrocephalus?

Answer 4

Prevalence estimates for infantile hydrocephalus vary between one and 32 per 10,000 births

Question 5

What investigations would you do for Hydrocephalus?

Answer 5

MRI
CT

Might show increased CSF or pressure

Question 6

What are the types of hydrocephalus?

Answer 6

> Communicating (impaired CSF absorption- flow between ventricles and sub arachnoid space)
Non communicating (obstruction)
Normal pressure