Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production or impaired absorption, leading to enlarged lateral ventricles and brain tissue compression. Causes include congenital infections, meningitis, and intracranial mass lesions, with clinical features such as increased head circumference and abnormal eye appearance. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may involve medical management or surgical interventions like ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

1. HYDROCEPHALUS
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2.  It is a condition associated with excessive production
or impaired absorption of CSF. •
 This condition arises from a blockage in the
circulation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid,
which is produced from the choroid plexuses within
the lateral ventricles of the brain. The large lateral
ventricles increase in size and eventually, compress
the surrounding brain tissues.

3. Causes Hydrocephalus
• Congenital infections (TORCH)
• Meningitis
• Following intracranial hemorrhage
• Intracranial mass lesions
• Congenital malformations
of the nervous system

4. Clinical features
• Large, full and tense anterior
fontanelle
• Markedly separated cranial sutures
• Inappropriate increase in occipito
frontal
circumference
• Big head –head circumference
greater than 90th percentile on
standard
curves
• Sun setting appearance to the eye
• Irritability or abnormal

5. DIAGNOSIS
 history collection and physical examination: Enlarged
head circumference at birth.
 Serial measurements cross percentiles in standard head
circumference curves •
 Skull x-rays (widening of sutures, prominent
convolutional markings on the inner table of the skull and
erosion of the sella turcica).
 Transfontanelle ultrasound (ventricular or subarachnoid
. space enlargement).

6. TREATMENT
 Treatment depends on the cause and includes
therapy for any associated conditions and measures
directed toward the hydrocephalus.
 Medical management includes: • Acetazolamide – to
decrease CSF production
 Mannitol – to decrease high intracranial pressure
(ICP) Furosemide – if mannitol is not available •
 Removal of CSF by interval lumbar puncture under
strict aseptic condition

7.  Medical management provide
temporary relief by reducing the
rate of CSF production, • but not
recommended for long-term use.
 Most cases of hydrocephalus
require ventriculoperitoneal
shunts or ventriculostomy, • so
referral or neurosurgical
consultation should be considered