Definition
Hydrocephalusis a condition caused by an unbalanced production and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricular system. When production is greater than absorption, cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricular system.
Causes
Causes of hydrocephalus include:
- Congenital abnormalities
- Infection
- Neoplasms
- Bleeding.
Physical examination on Hydrocephalus
Usually a myelomeningocele, head circumference measurements (Occipitofrontal)
On hydrocephalus obtained:
Early signs:
- Cockeye
- Headache
- Irritable
- Weary
- Cry if picked up, and silent when lying
- Nausea and vomiting is projectile
- See twins
- Ataxia
- Development was slow
- Pupillary edema
- Pupillary response to light is slow and not equal
- Usually followed: altered levels of consciousness, opistotonus and spastic in the lower extremities
- Difficulty in feeding and swallowing
- Cardio pulmonary disorders
- Headache followed by vomiting
- Pupillary edema
- Strabismus
- Increased blood pressure
- The pulse is slow
- Respiratory disorders
- Convulsions
- Lethargy
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Extrapyramidal signs / ataxia
- Irritable
- Tired, weary
- Apathetic
- Confusion
- Often times incoherent
- Blindness
