Hydrocephalus

Acquired Hydrocephalus

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Acquired hydrocephalus is caused by conditions that develop after birth, such as a hemorrhage, meningitis, head trauma, tumors and cysts.

Symptoms in older children may include:

• Headache
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Papilledema or the swelling of the optic disk, which is part of the optic nerve
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Downward deviation of the eyes
• Problems with balance
• Poor coordination
• Awkward gait
• Incontinence
• Slowed development
• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Other changes in personality or cognition

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007