What may indicate a blockage in cerebrospinal fluid circulation?

A blockage in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may result in a range of physical indicators, with one of the primary signs being an abnormal head circumference measurement.

An increase in head circumference, particularly above the 98th percentile, suggests that there may be an accumulation of CSF in the brain due to inadequate drainage or blockage. This is often seen in conditions like hydrocephalus, where excess fluid builds up in the ventricles. Increased head circumference is a clear and measurable indicator of the increased pressure and volume within the cranial cavity.

In contrast, a head circumference below the 50th percentile typically does not indicate a blockage and may reflect normal variation or other growth-related issues not necessarily tied to CSF circulation problems. A normal head circumference suggests that there is no significant issue with CSF circulation, while an increased fontanelle size can indicate increased intracranial pressure but is often observed along with increased head circumference as a definitive sign of pathology.