Acute obstructive hydrocephalus can result in sudden death of a child.
Case presentation: sudden death of a child
Cause of the acute obstruction:
(1) intracranial neoplasm
(2) other intracranial mass lesion
The lesion is usually small and located at a critical site for CSF flow. The blockage of CSF flow would cause a rise in inracranial pressure.
Preceding symptoms may include:
(1) headache
(2) vomiting
(3) lethargy
The child may be misdiagnosed with acute viral infection.
A history of vomiting or unexplained lethargy that lasts more than a few days should be investigated. It is important to just not assume that it is a viral infection.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
