clinical features of adult hydrocephalus
Last reviewed 04/2022
The presentation of hydrocephalus in adults is variable and dependent on the type and the underlying aetiology.
Features of an acute onset include:
- features of raised intracranial pressure - headache, vomiting, papilloedema and impaired conscious level
- impaired upward gaze (1)
Features of a gradual onset are similar to those seen in normal pressure hydrocephalus. These develop progressively and include:
- mental impairment
- gait apraxia; plantar reflexes often extensor; tendon jerks exaggerated or diminished
- urinary incontinence due to sphincter dysfunction
- hypopituitarism due to enlargement of the third ventricle into the posterior fossa (2)
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