Hydrocephalus – Summary Notes

Definition:

Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, causing increased pressure and ventricular enlargement.

Causes:

• Congenital (e.g., aqueductal stenosis)
• Infections (e.g., meningitis)
• Brain tumors
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida)

Signs/Symptoms:

• Enlarged head (in infants)
• Bulging fontanelle
• Vomiting, irritability
• Sunsetting eyes
• Seizures
• Poor feeding

Diagnosis:

• Cranial ultrasound (infants)
• CT/MRI brain

Treatment:

• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)
• Treat underlying cause

Complications:

• Shunt blockage or infection
• Developmental delays