Diagnosis (detection)

Hydrocephalus can be detected by observing the child's behavior and a few physical signs, and it can be confirmed with simple tests.

In a small baby
Poor feeding, high pitch cry, excessive sleepiness, enlarging head with soft areas on the top (fontanelles), inability to move eyes upwards and vomiting will prompt the diagnosis.



In an older child
Lethargy, irritability and a drop in the school performance are observed.

Imaging modalities

Ultrasonography (USG), computerized Tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) will confirm the diagnosis, show the degree of ventricular enlargement, the site of the blockage and offending cause(s) and a few physical signs, and it can be confirmed.