What does "hydrocephalic" indicate about a patient's head?

The term "hydrocephalic" specifically refers to a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, which leads to an enlargement of the head. This buildup can occur due to a variety of reasons, including obstruction of normal CSF drainage, overproduction of CSF, or a combination of both. As a result, the increased fluid volume causes the head to appear larger than normal, particularly in infants and young children whose cranial bones have not yet fused.

Understanding this definition clarifies that an abnormally enlarged head size is a direct consequence of hydrocephalus, distinguishing it from conditions characterized by a normal or decreased head size. Consequently, recognizing that hydrocephalus involves fluid buildup is essential for identifying its implications during a clinical assessment or while discussing neurological conditions.