hydrocephalus

2. A state resembling infantile hydrocephalus, but attended with depre ion of the fontanels: it follows diarrhea. hydrocephalus (hi-dro-sef’al-us) [Gr. téwp water + κεφαλή head]. A fluid effusion within the cranium. The disease is marked by enlargement of the head, with prominence of the forehead, atrophy of the brain, mental weakne , and convulsions. acute h., tubercular meningitis. chronic h., congenital h., infantile h.,a slowly progre ing form occurring in infancy. external h., dropsy of the subdural space. internal h., any fluid effusion within the ventricles of the brain. primary h., chronic hydrocephalus. secondary h., hydroce halus resulting from meningitis or obstruction of the venous out- low.