Warning Signs of Hydrocephalus in Infants

As a parent of a newborn, it can be exhausting to worry if something is wrong with your child constantly. For many, the initial indicator of hydrocephalus is a large head size, or a dramatic increase in the size of our baby’s head. If this is something that you have noticed, any amount of Googling may have already led you toward learning about hydrocephalus.

At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys, our experienced Portland medical malpractice lawyers know this can be an alarming experience. If you have concerns that your child’s condition is a result of physician negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Portland Child Hydrocephalus: Missed Signs in Early Childhood

During early childhood, the parents raised concerns about their child’s development, including rapid head growth and delayed milestones. At multiple pediatric visits, they reported these concerns and were reassured that the findings were within normal variation.

The medical records showed otherwise. Head circumference measurements were inconsistently recorded but demonstrated accelerated growth over time. No provider recognized the significance of the rapid growth, and no evaluation was performed to determine the cause. Despite repeated data points suggesting a neurological concern, no further investigation was initiated.

An outside provider later reviewed the child’s growth chart, immediately recognized the abnormal trend, and ordered an MRI. Imaging confirmed hydrocephalus, and the child required emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain and prevent death.

When the family contacted Paulson Coletti, our review of the medical records identified multiple missed opportunities for diagnosis. Growth charts, clinical notes, and visit records consistently reflected warning signs that should have prompted earlier evaluation and intervention. Earlier diagnosis and treatment would have reduced or prevented the extent of the brain injury.

This case reflects a recurring issue in pediatric malpractice: documented abnormalities are not tracked over time, and reassurance replaces follow-up when developmental indicators fall outside expected patterns.

At Paulson Coletti, we represent families harmed by preventable delays in diagnosing neurological conditions in children. These cases are about enforcing standards of care and holding providers accountable when missed follow-up results in permanent injury.

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition affecting the spinal cord and brain. It causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that puts pressure on the brain, causing neurological symptoms that may include physical and behavioral changes. Hydrocephalus can be a congenital defect, one that your child was born with. For some people, though, it may develop from a brain injury or illness. Cases like this that develop later in life from external factors are referred to as acquired hydrocephalus.

If your child’s doctor is concerned about hydrocephalus based on clinical presentation, they may choose to get imaging. The fluid buildup can generally be seen through an MRI or CT scan. The imaging results can give insight into the severity of the problem and inform the treatment, which consists of either draining the fluid or stopping the overproduction. According to Children’s National, this is a rare condition.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Infants

Aside from the abnormal head size, the symptoms of hydrocephalus can be similar to those of a traumatic brain injury. The hydrocephalus association explains some of the symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants and children. These symptoms may include:

Every child is different, and some may exhibit similar symptoms for reasons unrelated to hydrocephalus, which can make it feel difficult to determine ‘excessive.’ As a parent, you are looking for abnormal behavioral indicators for your child. If you think something is wrong regarding your child’s appearance or behavior, consult your pediatrician.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

While hydrocephalus may be something your child is born with, it is a symptom of another problem. Brain malformations, neural tube defects, or other abnormalities may cause cases of congenital hydrocephalus. These are commonly diagnosed during gestation through ultrasound and other prenatal testing. However, in acquired hydrocephalus, this is commonly due to injury, which can include:

If your child has acquired hydrocephalus and you are concerned that it was due to an injury your child sustained at birth, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover the costs of the injury. A Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC birth injury lawyer in Portland may be able to provide answers and help you get justice for your child.

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This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.