Attention, processing speed and executive functions in children with obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus (HC) is a condition involving an increased volume of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system, caused by a variety of prenatal and postnatal aetiologies. In obstructive H C there is an obstruction to the flow of CSF and in communicating HC there is an interference with the reabsorption of the CSF while the ventricular pathways remain functional. The compressive effects of HC may lead to thinning and stretching of the corpus callosum, and also damage projection fibres, optic tracts and olfactory pathways. Consistent with this neuropathology, progressive HC in early childhood may result in neuropsychological impairment such as gross and fine motor deficits, spatial perceptual problems, and slowed processing speed. To date there is a paucity of research that compares the neuropsychological functioning of children with obstructive and communicating H C . This study aimed to compare attention, processing speed and executive functions in children with obstructive and communicating HC.