Congenital hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This can cause the head to become enlarged and can lead to a variety of neurological problems. It is usually present at birth and can be caused by genetic or environmental factors. Treatment typically involves the placement of a shunt to drain the excess fluid from the brain.

Common symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus include:

-Headache
-Vomiting
-Poor coordination
-Lethargy
-Irritability
-Poor feeding
-Seizures
-Developmental delays
-Abnormal enlargement of the head
-Bulging fontanelle (soft spot) in infants
-Eyes that appear to be looking downward (called “sunsetting”)
-Irritability
-Sleepiness
-Poor appetite
-Difficulty walking
-Urinary incontinence

The exact cause of congenital hydrocephalus is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Possible causes include:

- Abnormal development of the brain before birth
- Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus
- Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
- Problems with the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
- Brain malformations, such as aqueductal stenosis
- Head trauma during birth
- Brain tumors

1. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt: This is the most common treatment for hydrocephalus. A VP shunt is a device that is surgically placed in the brain to help drain excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricles in the brain to another area of the body, usually the abdomen.

2. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV): This procedure is used to create a new pathway for the CSF to flow out of the brain and reduce the pressure.

3. Cranial Vault Expansion: This procedure is used to create more space in the skull for the brain to grow.

4. Endoscopic Ventriculostomy: This procedure is used to create a new pathway for the CSF to flow out of the brain and reduce the pressure.

1. Genetic factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as spina bifida, can increase the risk of developing congenital hydrocephalus.

2. Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk of congenital hydrocephalus.

3. Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop hydrocephalus.

4. Abnormal brain development: Abnormalities in the development of the brain, such as the formation of cysts or tumors, can increase the risk of hydrocephalus.

5. Head injury: Head injuries can cause hydrocephalus.

Yes, there are treatments available for congenital hydrocephalus. Treatment options include medications, surgery, and shunting. Medications may be used to reduce the amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produced or to reduce the pressure of the CSF. Surgery may be used to create pathways for the CSF to flow more freely. Shunting is a procedure in which a tube is inserted into the brain to drain the excess CSF and redirect it to another area of the body.