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Hydrocephalus

Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis

Inheritance patterns

Genetically related (inherited) hydrocephalus is very rare, and is usually X-linked: only boys are affected. It is usually accompanied by abduction of the thumbs. Diagnosis is determined by genetic tests.

Spina Bifida is genetically determined and the risk is higher in families who already have a member with this or a similar condition. Almost all people with spina bifida have hydrocephalus, though this might not require treatment .

Prenatal diagnosis
Often, but not always, seen prenatally on ordinary ultrasound. Fetal Anomaly Scanning is recommended in suspected cases.

View How is it treated? How is it treated?  |  Is there support? View Is there support?

Medical text written July 1994 by the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Approved by Dr C.R.Birch, Consultant Physician and Medical Director, Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham, UK. Last updated June 2003 by Dr R Bayston, ASBAH and Senior Lecturer, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK.

 

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