Question
My mother recently has been unable to cook and often experiences dizziness and headaches, and her overall mental state doesn’t seem good. What’s the difference between congenital hydrocephalus and acquired hydrocephalus?
Answer
Hello, congenital hydrocephalus is usually associated with abnormal brain development, while acquired hydrocephalus is more common in meningitis. Both can lead to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation and enlargement of the ventricles. CT or MRI scans can clearly show these conditions. Hydrocephalus may cause language and motor impairments, as well as intellectual disabilities and other sequelae. For a four-month-old boy with a larger head but no symptoms, it might be a flat head due to vitamin D deficiency rickets. It is recommended to have a check-up at a second-level or higher comprehensive hospital’s pediatric or children’s hospital.