Q03: Congenital hydrocephalus

Q03.9: Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified

There are cavities with cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, around the brain and around the spinal cord. Among other things, the cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord during knocks and also nourishes the brain cells. The cavities with spinal fluid from the brain and spinal cord are connected to each other. The spinal fluid can get backed up in the cavities in the brain.

You have too much spinal fluid. This happens when too much spinal fluid is produced or if it does not drain away properly. The cavities can get bigger as a result, and constrict the brain.

If the brain gets constricted by spinal fluid, headaches or nausea may result. There are sometimes seizures, too. If the brain is compressed for a long time, physical and mental abilities may become impaired. The disorder may have changed the growth of the bones or the brain. The head may then have an unusual shape.