Question
What are the clinical manifestations of pediatric hydrocephalus?
Answer
Pediatric hydrocephalus occurs due to increased intraventricular pressure, leading to an overall increase in intracranial pressure, which in turn causes changes such as thinning of brain substance, flattening of the brain, and shallow grooves. Early clinical manifestations include rapid increase in head circumference, prominent forehead, separation of cranial sutures, and dilated scalp veins. Additionally, due to increased pressure in the frontal sinus, the child’s eyes may appear to be slanted downward and bulging outward, exposing the upper white of the eye, forming what is known as the ‘sunset’ eye. The child may exhibit symptoms such as lack of energy, drowsiness or irritability, vomiting, frequent seizures, and difficulty walking.