Signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in babies and children can include: fussiness tiredness poor appetite vomiting eyes that stay looking down slowed development Babies younger than 1 year old still have their "soft spot" because their skull bones have not fully grown together yet. In them, hydrocephalus usually leads to bulging at the soft spot, increasing head size, and large scalp veins. Older children with hydrocephalus usually complain of headache.

Cerebrospinal fluid is saltwater that's made inside the ventricles. It flows around the brain and spinal cord, cushioning them. It also sends nutrients to the brain and takes away waste. Then it's absorbed into the bloodstream, and new, fresh CSF takes its place. Hydrocephalus can happen if: The flow of CSF is blocked (called obstructive hydrocephalus). Not enough CSF is absorbed into the bloodstream (called communicating hydrocephalus).

A child can: be born with hydrocephalus (called congenital hydrocephalus) get it later (called acquired hydrocephalus) Hydrocephalus can run in families.

Doctors diagnose hydrocephalus by: asking about symptoms doing an exam doing imaging studies such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI

Causes of hydrocephalus include: spina bifida: when a baby's spinal cord does not fully develop aqueductal stenosis: when CSF flow between the ventricles inside the brain is blocked infection during pregnancy complications of prematurity (being born early) bleeding in the brain (from a stroke or brain injury) a brain tumor infection in the brain

Your child needs your care and support. Treatment for hydrocephalus is successful in many children. But most need more than one surgery and ongoing medical care. To help your child get the best treatment: Take your child to all doctor visits. Follow all medical recommendations, such as taking prescribed medicines. If needed, take your child to: early intervention programs physical therapy occupational therapy