If the cause is congenital, symptoms such as an enlarged head may be present at birth. Acquired hydrocephalus can develop at any age as a result of head trauma or illness. Congenital hydrocephalus Congenital hydrocephalus occurs during fetal development and is present at birth.
Acquired hydrocephalus can occur at any age.
The characteristic symptom seen in infants is enlargement of the head. An infant s skull expands to accommodate excess CSF because the bones of the skull have not closed yet. Very young children commonly experience irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy. Memory loss, trouble speaking, emotional changes, incontinence, irregular gait, and dementia may be more common in elderly people who typically experience normal pressure hydrocephalus. Seizures are uncommon, but do occur in some people.