What Congenital Hydrocephalus?

Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition in which an infant is born with an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This can cause the head to enlarge, as the skull bones are not yet fully formed and can stretch to accommodate the extra fluid. Congenital hydrocephalus can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic defects, infections, and maternal health conditions.

Symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus can include:

* An unusually large head

* Rapid head growth

* Bulging fontanelles (the soft spots on the infant's skull)

* Downward-turned eyes (sunset eyes)

* Seizures

* developmental delays

Congenital hydrocephalus can be diagnosed with a variety of imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI. Treatment typically involves surgery to place a shunt, which is a small tube that drains the extra CSF from the brain and into another part of the body, such as the abdomen. Shunts are usually permanent, but they may need to be adjusted or replaced as the child grows.

The prognosis for infants with congenital hydrocephalus varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. With early diagnosis and treatment, many infants with congenital hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive lives.