Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified
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In short
Congenital hydrocephalus is a buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that is present at birth. This fluid normally cushions the brain, but too much of it puts harmful pressure on the brain and can cause permanent damage, affecting physical and mental development. The condition can be caused by genetic problems or issues with fetal development, and its main sign is an unusually large head. If untreated, hydrocephalus is usually fatal, but treatment typically involves surgery to insert a shunt that moves the fluid to another area of the body to be absorbed.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.
Codes
Description
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain.
Hydrocephalus can be congenital, or present at birth. Causes include genetic problems and problems with how the fetus develops. An unusually large head is the main sign of congenital hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus can also happen after birth. This is called acquired hydrocephalus. It can occur at any age. Causes can include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors, and bleeding in the brain. Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Blurry vision
- Balance problems
- Bladder control problems
- Thinking and memory problems
Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain, causing problems with physical and mental development. If untreated, it is usually fatal. With treatment, many people lead normal lives with few limitations. Treatment usually involves surgery to insert a shunt. A shunt is a flexible but sturdy plastic tube. The shunt moves the cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed. Medicine and rehabilitation therapy can also help.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Next to it in ICD-10
- Q00Anencephaly
- Q01Cephalocele
- Q02Microcephaly
- Q04Other congenital brain malformations
- Q05Spina Bifida
- Q06Other congenital spinal cord malformations
Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.
External resources
Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified?
Q03 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).
What is the ICD-11 code for Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified?
LA04.Z: Congenital hydrocephalus, unspecified (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).
Sources and attribution
- ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, © World Health Organization, licensed under CC BY-ND 3.0 IGO.
- Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
- Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).
Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →
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