Causes of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Study Notes

Causes of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Genetic disorders: e.g. aqueductal stenosis, X-linked hydrocephalus, Dandy-Walker syndrome
Infections: e.g. meningitis, ventriculitis, TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex)
Bleeding: e.g. intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), subarachnoid hemorrhage
Tumors: e.g. brain tumors, spinal cord tumors
Trauma: e.g. head trauma, spinal cord injury
Other: e.g. arachnoid cysts, vein of Galen malformations

Symptoms of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Increased head circumference: rapid growth in head size, especially in infants
Vomiting: often projectile
Irritability: fussiness, restlessness
Lethargy: excessive sleepiness
Seizures: rare, but can occur in some cases
Developmental delays: delayed milestones, such as sitting, standing, or walking
Vision problems: e.g. strabismus, nystagmus
Other: e.g. poor feeding, sleep disturbances

Diagnosis of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Imaging studies: e.g. ultrasound, CT, MRI, to visualize ventricles and brain structures
Physical examination: e.g. measurement of head circumference, assessment of fontanelles
Neurological examination: e.g. assessment of reflexes, tone, and developmental milestones
Laboratory tests: e.g. blood tests to rule out infections or other underlying conditions

Treatment Options for Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Shunt placement: surgical insertion of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV): minimally invasive procedure to create a hole in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to flow
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: most common type of shunt, drains CSF from the ventricles to the abdomen
Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt: drains CSF from the ventricles to the heart
Other: e.g. repeated lumbar punctures, medications to reduce CSF production

Causes of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Aqueductal stenosis, X-linked hydrocephalus, and Dandy-Walker syndrome are genetic disorders that can cause pediatric hydrocephalus.
Meningitis, ventriculitis, and TORCH infections are types of infections that can lead to pediatric hydrocephalus.
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage are types of bleeding that can cause pediatric hydrocephalus.
Brain tumors and spinal cord tumors can cause pediatric hydrocephalus.
Head trauma and spinal cord injury are types of trauma that can lead to pediatric hydrocephalus.
Arachnoid cysts and vein of Galen malformations are other causes of pediatric hydrocephalus.

Symptoms of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Rapid growth in head size, especially in infants, can be a sign of pediatric hydrocephalus.
Projectile vomiting is a common symptom of pediatric hydrocephalus.
Fussiness and restlessness are indicative of irritability in pediatric hydrocephalus patients.
Excessive sleepiness is a symptom of pediatric hydrocephalus.
Seizures can occur in some cases of pediatric hydrocephalus.
Delayed milestones, such as sitting, standing, or walking, are signs of developmental delays in pediatric hydrocephalus.
Strabismus and nystagmus are vision problems associated with pediatric hydrocephalus.
Poor feeding and sleep disturbances are other symptoms of pediatric hydrocephalus.

Diagnosis of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Ultrasound, CT, and MRI are imaging studies used to visualize ventricles and brain structures.
Measurement of head circumference and assessment of fontanelles are part of a physical examination.
Assessment of reflexes, tone, and developmental milestones are components of a neurological examination.
Blood tests are used to rule out infections or other underlying conditions.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Hydrocephalus

Shunt placement involves surgically inserting a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive procedure to create a hole in the floor of the third ventricle to allow CSF to flow.
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common type of shunt, draining CSF from the ventricles to the abdomen.
Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt drains CSF from the ventricles to the heart.
Repeated lumbar punctures and medications to reduce CSF production are other treatment options.

Description

This quiz covers the various causes of pediatric hydrocephalus, including genetic disorders, infections, bleeding, tumors, trauma, and other conditions. Test your knowledge on the different etiologies of this condition.