Introduction
Hydrocephalus in babies means an increased accumulation of fluid in the head. The brain of every person is surrounded by cerebral fluid. This cerebral fluid is subject to a closed system in which it is both produced and absorbed. In the brain there are cavities, the so-called ventricles, which are intended for the cerebral fluid. If there is an excessive accumulation of brain water in the ventricles, this leads to an enlargement of the cavities and thus to an enlarged head.
What causes hydrocephalus in babies?
A baby’s hydrocephalus can have various causes. In the closed system for cerebral fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, cerebral fluid is both produced and reabsorbed. If one of these two processes takes over, there is an excessive accumulation in the head and thus an increase in the circumference of the head.
Often the cause is an outflow or resorption disorder. This can be caused by various diseases, such as inflammation or bleeding. However, there may also be a tumor at the resorption sites, which prevents the outflow of brain water.
A rare cause is the so-called Arnold Chiari malformation, in which the circulation of cerebral fluid is impaired. In some cases, excessive production of cerebral water is also the cause of hydrocephalus. A specific brain structure, the choroidal plexus in the brain, is responsible for its production. If this is inflamed or changed by a tumor, it can lead to an overproduction of cerebral fluid.
Associated symptoms of hydrocephalus
As a rule, a hydrocephalus can be easily recognized in babies. The head can be significantly enlarged and take on a balloon-like shape. The fontanel, i.e. the point on the head where the baby’s skull bones will later grow together completely, is often taut or even bulging.
The sunset phenomenon is also a very typical sign. In this case, part of the cornea of the eye disappears under the lower eyelid, and the baby looks downwards in a very pronounced way. As a result, the iris looks like a setting sun, since a clear white stripe can be seen above it.
Furthermore, so-called cerebral pressure signs can occur. These are typical signs that can occur when the pressure on the brain is increased by the cerebral fluid. They include increased fatigue, a recurring twilight and nausea and vomiting, which occurs without the prior intake of food. This is called fasting vomiting.
