Hydrocephalus

Background

Clinical Features

Pediatric hydrocephalus with "sunset eyes."

Pediatric

In addition to above:

  • Large fontanelles
  • Dilated scalp veins
  • "Cracked pot" sound on percussion
  • Irritability
  • Increased lower extremity tone
  • Remember that Babinski sign is normal up to 3 years of age

Differential Diagnosis

Headache

Common

Killers

Maimers

Others

Aseptic Meningitis

Evaluation

Typical hydrocephalus as seen on a brain CT. The lateral ventricles (black areas in the middle of the brain) are abnormally large and filled with fluid.
Obstructive hydrocephalus cause by a posterior fossa cyst in a 12 month old. Patient presented with loss of developmental milestones.
  • Physical Exam to assess for papilledema or neuro defects
  • CT Brain non contrast
    • In acute cases will see dilated ventricles and tight sulci
    • In chronic cases (loss of tissue with age, alcoholism, etc) will see dilated ventricles with large amount of CSF in sulci

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Shprecher D. et al. Normal pressure hydrocephalus: diagnosis and treatment. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2008;8(5):371-376.