Congenital Hydrocephalus: Symptoms

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Symptoms

The symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus usually are noticed at birth or within the first 9 months of life. Symptoms may not be as obvious in toddlers and older children. A baby may have:

• A large head that may get bigger very quickly. Usually a baby with congenital hydrocephalus will have a noticeably bigger head than other babies the same age.
• A slightly bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head that doesn't go away when the baby is held upright. A baby may also have larger-than-normal areas between the skull bones (sutures ).
• A shiny scalp, with prominent blood vessels.
• A downward gaze and retracted eyelids, which reveal the whites of the eyes above the irises ("sun-setting of the eyes").

If pressure in the baby's head builds, symptoms will get worse and may include:

• Irritability.
• Excessive sleeping.
• Poor appetite and frequent vomiting.
• Inability to track you well with his or her eyes.
• High-pitched crying.

Other types of hydrocephalus may produce the same or similar symptoms at any age.

Last updated:	February 06, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Mark G. Luciano, MD - Neurological Surgery
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer