Cognitive disorders in children's hydrocephalus

Abstract

Background and objective: Hydrocephalus is defined as an increase of volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system of the brain. It develops as a result of cerebrospinal fluid flow disorder due to dysfunctions of absorption or, less frequently, as a result of the increase of its production. Hydrocephalus may lead to various cognitive dysfunctions in children.

Materials and methods: In order to determine cognitive functioning in children with hydrocephalus, the authors reviewed available literature while investigating this subject.

Results: The profile of cognitive disorders in children with hydrocephalus may include a wide spectrum of dysfunctions and the process of neuropsychological assessment may be very demanding. The most frequently described cognitive disorders within children's hydrocephalus include attention, executive, memory, visual, spatial or linguistic dysfunctions, as well as behavioral problems.

Keywords: Cognitive assessment; Cognitive function; Hydrocephalus in children.