Sixteen cases of external hydrocephalus (EH) were seen from January 1993 to June 1995. There were 13 (81.3 per cent) male and three female children. Fourteen (87.5 per cent) were under 12 months of age. Three siblings with EH were seen in one family. All but three of the 16 recovered over time without medical or surgical intervention. These three needed cerebral decongestants in the acute phase.