What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?
With certain ages the symptoms of hydrocephalus vary.
In infants and young children
When hydrocephalus is presented at birth the child will appear to have a much larger head than normal. This is because the "soft spots" or bony plates, that have not fused together yet, are being pushed out buy the excess CSF in the brain. The movement of the plates causes the child to have a irregular shaped head. In addition other symptoms are:
In older children
As children get older they will not have such recognizable symptoms as shown in infants because they do not have the "soft spots" babies have and their heads do not show extensive growth. Because of this the child may have sever headaches and and intensified brain pressure. Also child may experience:
In infants and young children
When hydrocephalus is presented at birth the child will appear to have a much larger head than normal. This is because the "soft spots" or bony plates, that have not fused together yet, are being pushed out buy the excess CSF in the brain. The movement of the plates causes the child to have a irregular shaped head. In addition other symptoms are:
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Sleepiness
- Downward cast of eyes also know as "sunsetting"
- Vomiting
- Separated structures- a gap that can be felt between skull bones
- Swollen veins
In older children
As children get older they will not have such recognizable symptoms as shown in infants because they do not have the "soft spots" babies have and their heads do not show extensive growth. Because of this the child may have sever headaches and and intensified brain pressure. Also child may experience:
- Sleepiness
- Nausea/ vomiting
- Seizures
- Difficulties with balance and motor skills
- Double vision
- Changes in personality
- Headaches
- Slow or restricting movements
- Memory loss
