Acquired Hydrocephalus
Diagnosis

During your visit to UCSF Children's Hospital, our doctors and other staff members will thoroughly evaluate your child. We will ask you about your child's medical history as well as the medical history of your immediate family.

If your pediatrician has sent us your child's medical records, we will review this information as well. Be sure to tell your child's doctors about medications your child is currently using, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.

Hydrocephalus is assessed by measuring its effect on the brain. If cerebrospinal fluid builds up, it frequently leads to enlarged cavities visible on diagnostic scans of the head.

Your child's evaluation will include imaging tests such as:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound

To determine the best treatment, it's sometimes necessary to measure pressure within your child's skull. This measurement is made by placing a small monitor beneath the skull during a short surgical procedure.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated March 10, 2010