Is hydrocephalus considered a birth defect?

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common “birth defects” affecting more than 10,000 babies each year. One out of every 500 newborns has hydrocephalus.

Is hydrocephalus a congenital abnormality?

Hydrocephalus may also be classified in congenital or acquired. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward and may be caused by injury or disease.

Is hydrocephalus a genetic disorder?

It is thought that congenital hydrocephalus can be caused by genetic defects that can be passed from one or both parents to a child, but the direct links to hereditary disorders are still being investigated. However, experts have found a connection between a rare genetic disorder called L1 syndrome and hydrocephalus.

Is congenital hydrocephalus genetic?

A possible genetic etiology is present in about 40% of patients with congenital hydrocephalus. This includes cytogenetic abnormalities, monogenic or complex inherited conditions and multifactorial disorders. However, in the majority of cases the cause of primary congenital hydrocephalus is still unknown.

What can cause hydrocephalus?

Either congenital or acquired, hydrocephalus is caused by conditions that affect CSF movement. The triggers could be premature birth, neural tube defects, enlarged ventricles, ventricular hemorrhage, trauma, brain tumor, infections, surgery, or health conditions that impact blood flow.

Why does congenital hydrocephalus run in families?

Why does congenital hydrocephalus run in families? Congenital hydrocephalus can run in families. It is thought that congenital hydrocephalus can be caused by genetic defects that can be passed from one or both parents to a child, but the direct links to hereditary disorders are still being investigated.

Is normal pressure hydrocephalus hereditary?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is not related to a known genetic defect. About inheritance and genetics: Inheritance of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus refers to whether the condition is inherited from your parents or “runs” in families. The level of inheritance of a condition depends on how important genetics are to the disease.

What causes water on the brain in adults?

In some cases, water on the brain is congenital, caused by defects in the structure of the brain which impair the circulation and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. Other cases are acquired, caused by damage to the brain such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. In both cases, the buildup of fluid can be clearly seen in…