Hydrocephalus

Premature infants born before 34 weeks or weighing less than four pounds have a high risk of blood vessels bleeding in the brain. Severe bleeding can lead to acquired hydrocephalus, communicating or non-communicating depending on the site and extent of the bleeding.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on the age of onset.

In infants, symptoms include:

• A large head that is growing rapidly

• A bulging "soft spot" on top of head (anterior fontanelle)

• Irritability

• Seizures

• Delays in development

In older children and adults, symptoms include:

• Headache

• Difficulty walking

• Loss of athletic abilities

• Change in personality

• Decrease in mental abilities

At any age, symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Lethargy