Hydrocephalus (patient information)
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Hydrocephalus |
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(Condition) On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant-Editor-In-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the brain swells due to a build up of fluid inside the skull. Hydrocephalus literally means "water on the brain." Hydrocephalus is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. 60% of people who do not seek medical treatment die.
What are the symptoms of Hydrocephalus?
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus can vary from person to person and usually depend on age, severity, and cause.
Infants:
- Bulging soft spot (fontanelle)
- Larger than normal head size
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Constant tiredness
- Irritability
- Gaps between skull bones
- Eyes that are constantly looking down
Older children:
- Headache
- Irritability
- Tantrums
- Constant tiredness
- Shrill cries
- Changes in ability to think or act
- Personality changes
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Changes in eye shape
- Double vision
- Changes in appearance of facial features or shape
- Trouble coordinating motor movements
- Difficulty walking
- Slowed growth
- Trouble eating
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of bladder control
- Nausea
What are the causes of Hydrocephalus?
There is a layer of fluid called [cerebrospinal fluid] (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and creates a cushion between the brain and the skull. Normally the CSF flows in and around the brain providing nutrients and oxygen before getting reabsorbed by the bloodstream but, when something goes wrong the CSF may begin to build up and put pressure on the brain.
Causes of CSF blockage include:
- [Traumatic brain injury] (TBI)
- Tumors
- Genetic defects
- In-utero infections
- Bleeding in the brain in premature infants
- Meningitis
- Other infections contracted after birth
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Hydrocephalus?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hydrocephalus