Genetics and genetic counselling in neonatal hydrocephalus

In the majority of cases, neonatal hydrocephalus is a genetic disease. The obstetrician's role in antenatal diagnosis of this disease is important. It is essential to take an accurate family history and to perform autopsies on affected infants if successful genetic counselling is to be pursued. Every woman, at her first antenatal visit, should be asked if she had a positive family history of hydrocephalus. Advanced experience in sonography will make the detection of hydrocephalus possible before the 20th week of gestation.