Is congenital hydrocephalus hereditary?

Congenital hydrocephalus is generally not directly inherited, but it may be related to the family's genetic background. Understanding the underlying mechanism and influencing factors will help to better cope with and prevent it.

Hydrocephalus is caused by an obstruction in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid or abnormal absorption, which leads to an increase in fluid in the ventricles. If it is congenital, it is usually related to abnormalities in embryonic development, such as neural tube defects, hereditary syndromes, or chromosomal abnormalities. However, these are not equivalent to "100% hereditary", but may be affected by the combined effects of genetic genes and environmental factors. Some family cases may show a genetic tendency, but most of them are rare cases.

Whether it is inherited depends on the primary cause of hydrocephalus. Certain gene mutations or familial genetic syndromes, such as X-linked hydrocephalus, do increase the risk of offspring, but such cases are relatively rare. If it is simply caused by sporadic problems in development, the chance of inheritance is low. Common hydrocephalus is usually not entirely determined by genetics, but may be caused by infections during pregnancy, drug effects, or other external factors.

If there are cases in the family, it is recommended to consult a geneticist before pregnancy, especially if there are other neurological abnormalities. During pregnancy, pay attention to a reasonable diet, supplement folic acid, and avoid contact with harmful substances to fundamentally reduce the possibility of congenital problems. Once suspected symptoms are found in the newborn, such as excessive head circumference and developmental delay, medical examination should be carried out as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis and take appropriate intervention measures.