Hydrocephalus

Acquired Hydrocephalus

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

During your child's visit at UCSF Children's Hospital, our doctors and other staff members will thoroughly evaluate your child. Our staff will ask you about the medical history of your child as well as of your immediate family. If your pediatrician has sent us your child's medical records, we will review this information. Be sure to tell your doctors about any medications your child is currently using, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.

Because several problems such as infections and tumors can lead to hydocephalus, the first step is to determine the underlying cause. Hydrocephalus is assessed by measuring its effect upon the brain. If cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up, it frequently leads to enlarged cavities visible on a computer tomography (CT) scan of the head.

Your child's evaluation will include imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or pressure-monitoring techniques.

Measurement of pressure within the skull is sometimes required before determining treatment. This measurement is made by placing a small monitor beneath the skull during a short surgical procedure.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated August 15, 2007