Hydrocephalus

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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.

Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of impairments in brain function.

Hydrocephalus can happen at any age, but it occurs more frequently among infants and adults 60 and over. Surgical treatment for hydrocephalus can restore and maintain normal cerebrospinal fluid levels in the brain. Many different therapies are often required to manage symptoms or functional impairments resulting from hydrocephalus.

The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary somewhat by age of onset.

Common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:

Among toddlers and older children, signs and symptoms may include:

Common signs and symptoms in this age group include:

Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are:

Seek emergency medical care for infants and toddlers experiencing these signs and symptoms:

Seek prompt medical attention for other signs or symptoms in any age group.

Because more than one condition can result in the problems associated with hydrocephalus, it’s important to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

Your brain floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned.

Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. It flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels. The fluid eventually flows into spaces around the brain and spinal column. It’s absorbed primarily by blood vessels in tissues near the base of the brain.

Cerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in brain function by:

Excess cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles occurs for one of the following reasons:

In many cases, the exact event leading to hydrocephalus is unknown. However, a number of developmental or medical problems can contribute to or trigger hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus present at birth (congenital) or shortly after birth may occur because of any of the following:

Other factors that can contribute to hydrocephalus among any age group include:

Long-term complications of hydrocephalus can vary widely and are often difficult to predict.

If hydrocephalus has progressed by the time of birth, it may result in significant intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. Less severe cases, when treated appropriately, may have few, if any, serious complications.

Adults who have experienced a significant decline in memory or other thinking skills generally have poorer recoveries and persistent symptoms after treatment of hydrocephalus.

The severity of complications depends on:

Hydrocephalus isn’t a preventable condition. However, there are ways to potentially reduce the risk of hydrocephalus:

To prevent head injury:

Ask your doctor if you or your child should receive a vaccine against meningitis, once a common cause of hydrocephalus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends meningitis vaccination for preteen children and boosters for teenagers. It’s also recommended for younger children and adults who may be at increased risk of meningitis for any of the following reasons:

Hydrocephalus care at Mayo Clinic

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Hydrocephalus

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