Memory and intelligence following spontaneously arrested congenital hydrocephalus

Abstract

This study describes two cases of spontaneously arrested congenital hydrocephalus whose educational progress appears normal. They were found on examination to have a reduced performance IQ, but a normal verbal IQ. They showed a significant impairment in immediate free recall, which was specific to the secondary memory component. It is concluded that congenital hydrocephalus may produce an organic disorder which manifests itself in later life as an impairment of verbal memory.