Hydrocephalus in Early Childhood

Huseyin Canaz, S.B. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Norosirurji Klinigi Istanbul, Turkiye, Tel. 0506 5307853 Email. drcanaz@gmail.com Gelis Tarihi: 11.09.2012 • Kabul Tarihi: 27.03.2013 ABSTRACT Hydrocephalus is a disorder in which an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fl uid accumulates within the dilated cerebral ventricles and subarachnoid spaces. Approximately half of these cases are associated with myelomeningocele (spina bifi da), however the proportion varies substantially across different populations. The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus result from increased intracranial pressure and dilatation of the ventricles. Symptoms of hydrocephalus are non-specifi c and independent of the etiology. Most cases of hydrocephalus are progressive, meaning that neurological deterioration will occur if the hydrocephalus is not effectively and continuously treated. The most effective treatment is surgical drainage, using a shunt or third ventriculostomy. In this paper we aimed to review the childhood hydrocephalus.