Hydrocephalus can be seen in babies as young as 18 months old and can be diagnosed with the help of clinical symptoms and relevant tests.
Pediatric hydrocephalus is different from normal babies when it occurs. While mild cases may have no abnormalities in appearance, severe cases may show an enlarged head and fontanel, which grows at a faster rate, accompanied by symptoms of irritability or lethargy. In addition, these children often have increased intracranial pressure and progressive brain dysfunction.
The diagnosis of hydrocephalus can only be made initially by the symptoms alone. If necessary, imaging tests such as cranial computed tomography (CT), cranial transillumination tests, and ventriculography should be performed in conjunction with the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis.
If a child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus, he or she should cooperate with the doctor as soon as possible to carry out standardized treatment to reduce the adverse effects of the disease.