In infants, abnormally large head size for the patient’s age strongly suggests hydrocephalus.

Measurement of head circumference is a most important diagnostic technique. Skull x-rays show
thinning of the skull with separation of sutures and widening of fontanels.

Other diagnostic tests for hydrocephalus, including arteriography, computed tomography scan, and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can differentiate between hydrocephalus and intracranial lesions
and can also demonstrate the Arnold-Chiari deformity, which may occur in an infant with
hydrocephalus.