Abstract
Introduction: Despite the absence of a precise definition, hydrocephalus usually means the presence of a disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiology leading to an abnormal widening of the cerebral ventricles, classically linked with elevated intracranial pressure. Despite being surely linked, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus leading to ventriculomegaly without intracranial hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (also known as pseudotumour cerebri) leading to intracranial hypertension without ventriculomegaly are not included in the scope of this manuscript, Aim of work: In this review the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, management and treatment, debates, and future research needed for pediatric hydrocephalus, which is surprisingly a neglected issue despite its high prevalence and economic burden. Methodology: We did a systematic search for Classification and manifestation of hydrocephalus in the emergency department using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). All relevant studies were retrieved and discussed. We only included full articles. Conclusions: Hydrocephalus is a generally common condition that results from dysfunctions of the physiology of the CSF leading to an abnormal widening of the ventricles. Infants usually manifest with progressive macrocephaly while children older than two years typically manifest with symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension. Treatment options of the disease include shunt approaches and endoscopic approaches, which must be individualized to each child. The chronic outcome for children that have received treatment for hydrocephalus varies. Advances in brain imaging, technology, and understanding of the pathophysiology should ultimately lead to improved treatment of the disorder.