What Is Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. Cerebro-spinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. The extra fluid puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. It’s most common in infants and older adults. Hydrocephalus is characterized by head enlargement in infants. Adults and older children experience headache, impaired vision, cognitive difficulties, loss of coordination, and incontinence.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Bulging soft spot on a baby’s head
- Cognitive: memory loss or mental confusion
- Delayed development
- Enlargement of head
- Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting
- Headache, high pitched cry
- Irritability
- Leaking of urine
- Muscular: abnormality walking, instability, problems with coordination, or stiff muscles
- Sleepiness
Treatments
- Diuretic
- Surgery to create an opening in the skull so that an inserted tube can drain excess fluid from the brain
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
- Ventriculostomy
