Hydrocephalus

[Laura__0__0]

  I have a 13 -month-old daughter who had an MRI of her head in February.  The test only showed a small amount of  fluid  above the frontal lobe of her brain.  I understand that is normal in small children.  Just last week, we had a CAT scan of her head done to compare to the MRI because her soft spot in the top of her head is still very large and has not made any progress in closing.  It is bulged out which I understand could happen if her body is not properly absorbing the CSF, which in turn could keep her fontanels from closing.  She also is developmentally delayed.  She just recently started sitting, and is not real close to crawling yet.  She doesn't even catch herself yet when she starts to fall over.  Her speech is just little noises at this point.  The nurse that I spoke with mentioned something called external hydrocephalus.  The doctor of course has not yet compared these test results, but does something like that sound like my daughters case? and is it anything serious?  I didn't take it as anything too serious, but I had never heard of  external hydroencephalus, and what would be the difference between that and hyrdrochalus?  Thank you
                                                                                                             Laura
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Dear Laura,
It is unclear whether hydrocephalus is an issue in your child's case.  From
what you describe, your child is indeed delayed developmentally, and the cause
should be investigated.  At one year of age, a child should be crawling and
starting to walk, as well as beginning to speak simple words.  You need to
speak to the physician taking care of your child for clear answers as to what
he or she thinks the problem is.  The CT and MRI should be adequate to diagnose
hydrocephalus.  If you do not get satisfactory answers, you might consider
seeing a pediatric neurologist.
Good luck.