Acute post-traumatic hydrocephalus in an infant due to aqueductal obstruction by a blood clot: a case report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
Published on: March 28, 2025
Sunil Kumar Gupta1, Tarun Sharma
1Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India. drguptasunil@gmail.com
Insights
Acute post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in infants can occur even after mild head injuries. Prompt treatment with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt led to a full recovery in a reported case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Acute post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a rare condition in infants following head trauma.
- Mild head injuries can precipitate serious neurological complications.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old infant presented with acute PTH.
- The condition was caused by an intraventricular blood clot obstructing the aqueduct.
Findings:
- Complete resolution of hydrocephalus was achieved.
- A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was successfully employed for treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights that even mild head injuries in children can lead to acute hydrocephalus.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric post-traumatic hydrocephalus.
Background:
Acute post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in an infant with mild head injury is a rare entity.
Case:
We report in this paper an 11-month-old baby who presented with acute PTH secondary to aqueductal obstruction by an intraventricular blood clot. The child recovered completely following a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.
Conclusion:
Acute hydrocephalus may develop secondary to aqueductal obstruction by a blood clot in children with even mild head injury.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
