Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Neuropsychological findings in congenital and acquired childhood hydrocephalus

M Mataró1, C Junqué, M A Poca

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Spain.

Neuropsychology Review
|March 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Hydrocephalus, an increase in cerebrospinal fluid, can lead to mild cognitive deficits, particularly in visuospatial and motor skills. Various factors influence cognitive outcomes in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus involves increased cerebrospinal fluid volume, with common causes including spina bifida, aqueduct stenosis, and intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.
  • Existing literature indicates mild neuropsychological deficits in individuals with hydrocephalus, primarily affecting visuospatial, motor, and non-language functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the complex factors influencing neuropsychological deficits in hydrocephalus.
  • To understand the impact of etiology, intracranial pressure, ventricular size, and tissue composition on cognitive status.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on hydrocephalus and associated cognitive impairments.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to neuropsychological deficits, including etiology and complications.

Main Results:

  • Neuropsychological deficits in hydrocephalus are influenced by etiology, intracranial pressure, ventricular size, and brain tissue composition.
  • Complications such as infections, trauma, and intraventricular hemorrhage significantly impact cognitive status.

Conclusions:

  • The precise nature of hydrocephalus-related cognitive deficits is multifactorial and not fully understood.
  • Co-occurring brain abnormalities and treatment complications are critical determinants of cognitive impairment in children with hydrocephalus.

More Related Videos

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy10:02

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy

Published on: November 3, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cognitive Neuroscience Approach01:21

Cognitive Neuroscience Approach

The cognitive neuroscience approach to development focuses on how the central nervous system supports emerging cognitive abilities. Neuroimaging and behavioral studies link specific neural systems to memory and cognitive processing in infancy.Distinct Memory Systems in the Developing BrainInfant long-term memory includes two distinct systems: implicit and explicit memory. Implicit, or nondeclarative, memory involves unconscious recall of skills and routines. It develops early and appears in...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Hepatic Encephalopathy01:29

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...