Hydrocephalus is sometimes referred to as water on the brain. Other causes include premature birth infections tumors or bleeding inside the brain.

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A mother can get the fetus screened for hydrocephalus during her regular pregnancy checkup.

Hydrocephalus in babies in the womb. Doctors will check the size of the ventricles during routine ultrasound tests. Other conditions such as neural tube defects like spina bifida are also associated with hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Aqueductal stenosis a type of blockage. Fluid buildup in the ventricles creates pressure inside the head. Common reasons for congenital hydrocephalus include.

However it may be linked to a genetic defect or be the result of another disorder such as spina bifida or encephalocele sac like protrusions of the brain. Hydrocephalus occurs when the two lateral ventricles are greater than 1 5 cm in width. Hydrocephalus can occur either as a condition present at birth congenital or it can be acquired later in life.

Congenital hydrocephalus can be genetic or caused by something else that occurred during pregnancy. Hydrocephalus is often congenital meaning babies are born with it but infants and children can develop it as well. Diagnosing hydrocephalus in the womb.

They will assess and comment on the brain development of the growing fetus. The ventricles can fill to such an extent that the fetus s head size becomes enlarged. The following steps are used to diagnose hydrocephalus in an unborn baby.

Unborn babies with hydrocephalus produce more of this fluid than the brain s ventricles or cavities can absorb. In some babies the condition is genetic such as in babies with congenital aqueductal stenosis. There is no one specific cause of congenital hydrocephalus.