Congenital hydrocephalus may be caused by for example by neural tube defects, complications of premature birth or infections during pregnancy.
Symptoms in infants can include an abnormally large head, eyes that are fixed downward, problems sucking or feeding, vomiting, sleepiness, irritability and seizures.
Currently, there is no permanent cure for hydrocephalus, but prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment could help improve the condition.
Survival in untreated hydrocephalus is poor. Approximately 50% of the affected patients die before 3 years of age and about 80% die before reaching adulthood.