Table 1

Causes of hydrocephalus

Congenital malformations

  •     Aqueduct obstruction

  •     Arnold Chiari malformation

  •     Dandy-Walker syndrome

  •     Benign intracranial cysts

  •     Vein of Galen aneurysms

  •     Congenital central nervous system infections

  •     Craniofacial anomalies

Acquired causes

  •     Tumours and cysts

        Posterior fossa, pineal, third ventricle, e.g. colloid cyst and astrocytoma, choroid plexus tumour

  •     Inflammation

        Meningitis, granulomatous conditions/sarcoid

  •     Absorption blockages

        Intracranial haemorrhage, “normal pressure hydrocephalus” (NPH)