Question
Generally speaking, what causes pediatric hydrocephalus patients to develop lower limb scissor gait? What treatment should be administered if a pediatric hydrocephalus diagnosis is confirmed?
Answer
Compared to adults, the risk of pediatric hydrocephalus varies depending on the age of onset. In infants with acute hydrocephalus, symptoms of intracranial hypertension are usually quite pronounced, including skull fractures, bulging fontanelles, thinning scalp, visible scalp veins, and a shiny appearance of the head under bright light. When tapping the top of the head, a solid drumming sound is produced, a phenomenon known as the Macewen sign. The affected child often shows irritability, apathy, loss of appetite, and continues to emit high-pitched and short abnormal cries. The eyes are often downwardly fixed, with the upper eyelids not drooping, and the lower part of the eye sinking to the lower edge of the eyelid. Part of the cornea is located above the infraorbital margin, with the upper conjunctiva becoming pale.