Hydrocephalus in children

Abstract

Hydrocephalus can be defined as a process in which the cerebrospinal fluid compartments are actively enlarged at the expense of brain tissue. The clinical presentation depends on the age of the patient. Hydrocephalus is classified as either obstructive, when the drainage pathways is occluded, or communicating, when no clear obstruction can be demonstrated. It can be evaluated using ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The latter is the best imaging tool to characterize the cause and extension of hydrocephalus and treatment complications. Treatment depends on cause, patient age, and rapidity of onset of the symptoms.