Question
How should congenital hydrocephalus be treated? Parents are concerned about the risks of medication for their child who has been experiencing this condition for some time, and are seeking medical advice.
Answer
The typical feature of congenital hydrocephalus is the gradual increase in head circumference. This is usually observed within a few weeks or months after birth, and the head circumference at birth is already significantly larger than the normal value. As the head circumference expands, the face appears relatively small, with a prominent forehead, tight scalp, and possible eye movements, tilting, or tremors. The fontanelles (including the anterior fontanelle and posterior fontanelle) enlarge, and the sutures of the skull separate. Patients may exhibit anxiety and decreased appetite. Treatment methods often involve ventriculoatrial shunts, such as ventriculoatrial shunts, ventriculoseptal shunts, and ventriculoperitoneal shunts, among others.