Hydrocephalus

Congenital Hydrocephalus

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

With sophisticated imaging technologies, congenital hydrocephalus can be detected in a fetus as early as the third or fourth month of pregnancy. By the fifth or sixth month, abnormal dilation of brain cavities is more clearly detectable. Tests to identify the condition include:

• Ultrasound -- Performed by a radiologist or perinatologist, this test will establish if there is an abnormal collection of fluid but may not show the obstruction.

• Amniocentesis -- This, or a needle aspiration of intrauterine fluid, may be performed to detect the presence of other birth defects associated with hydrocephalus.

Congenital hydrocephalus, however, is frequently diagnosed at birth or shortly after. Sometimes it's not diagnosed until after birth. At UCSF Children's Hospital, our team of doctors and other staff members will thoroughly evaluate your child's condition. 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.

Our medical team will examine your child to attempt to discover the cause of the medical problem and to identify the best treatment. This evaluation includes imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or pressure-monitoring techniques.

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