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Updated: May 5, 2026

Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury
07:21

Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: May 27, 2022

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Developmental considerations in hydrocephalus after traumatic brain injury in children: a narrative review

Olubunmi A Fariyike1,2, Laura S Blackwell3,4,5, Paolo Frassanito6

  • 1School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.

Brain Injury
|March 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in children is a serious complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early recognition and intervention are crucial for better outcomes in pediatric patients with PTH.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurosurgery
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) research

Background:

  • Posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a rare but severe complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Pediatric central nervous system development influences PTH pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment differently than in adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on pediatric PTH.
  • To highlight the impact of pediatric developmental pathophysiology on susceptibility, diagnosis, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing existing studies on pediatric PTH.
  • Analysis of factors influencing PTH development, clinical presentation, and management.

Main Results:

  • Younger age (under five) and injury severity are key predictors of pediatric PTH.
  • Clinical presentation varies from acute deterioration to chronic neurodevelopmental regression.
  • Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms and distinguishing hydrocephalus from ventriculomegaly.
  • Management involves cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion via external ventricular drainage (EVD) or shunting.

Conclusions:

  • Despite surgical intervention, long-term morbidity in pediatric PTH is significant.
  • Emphasizes the critical need for prevention, early detection, and comprehensive multidisciplinary follow-up for pediatric TBI survivors.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebrospinal fluid dynamicsdecompressive craniectomydevelopmental pediatricsglobal healthshunttraumatic brain injury

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