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Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) -- the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This excessive
accumulation results in an abnormal dilation of the spaces in the brain called ventricles. This dilation
causes potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or
acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and may be caused by genetic abnormalities or
developmental disorders such as spina bifida and encephalocele. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at
the time of birth or at some point afterward and can affect individuals of all ages. For example,
hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by stroke or traumatic
injury. Normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs most often among the elderly. It may result from a
subarachnoid hemorrhage, head trauma, infection, tumor, or complications of surgery, although many
people develop normal pressure hydrocephalus without an obvious cause. Symptoms of
hydrocephalus vary with age, disease progression, and individual differences in tolerance to CSF. In
infancy, the most obvious indication of hydrocephalus is often the rapid increase in head
circumference or an unusually large head size. In older children and adults, symptoms may include
headache followed by vomiting, nausea, papilledema (swelling of the optic disk, which is part of the
optic nerve), downward deviation of the eyes (called "sunsetting"), problems with balance, poor
coordination, gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, slowing or loss of development (in children),
lethargy, drowsiness, irritability, or other changes in personality or cognition, including memory loss.
Hydrocephalus is diagnosed through clinical neurological evaluation and by using cranial imaging
techniques such as ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
or pressure-monitoring techniques.

Treatment
Hydrocephalus is most often treated with the surgical placement of a shunt system. This system
diverts the flow of CSF from a site within the central nervous system to another area of the body
where it can be absorbed as part of the circulatory process. A limited number of individuals can be
treated with an alternative procedure called third ventriculostomy. In this procedure, a small hole is
made in the floor of the third ventricle, allowing the CSF to bypass the obstruction and flow toward
the site of resorption around the surface of the brain.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with hydrocephalus is difficult to predict, although there is
some correlation between the specific cause of hydrocephalus and the patient's outcome. Prognosis is
further complicated by the presence of associated disorders, the timeliness of diagnosis, and the
success of treatment. The symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus usually get worse over time if
the condition is not treated, although some people may experience temporary improvements. If left
untreated, progressive hydrocephalus is fatal, with rare exceptions. The parents of children with
hydrocephalus should be aware that hydrocephalus poses risks to both cognitive and physical
development. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, rehabilitation
specialists, and educational experts is critical to a positive outcome. Many children diagnosed with the
disorder benefit from rehabilitation therapies and educational interventions, and go on to lead normal
lives with few limitations.

Research
The NINDS conducts and supports a wide range of fundamental studies that explore the complex
mechanisms of normal brain development. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to
protect, treat, and ultimately cure disorders such as hydrocephalus.

View a list of studies currently seeking patients.

View more studies on this condition.

Read additional information from Medline Plus.

Organizations
Hydrocephalus Association

Non-profit association that provides support, education, and advocacy programs for families and
professionals.

4340 East West Highway

Suite 905
Bethesda, MD 20814
info@hydroassoc.org
http://www.hydroassoc.org
Tel: 301-202-3811 888-598-3789
Fax: 301-202-3813

National Hydrocephalus Foundation

Non-profit organization helping the unborn to the elderly. Provides educational material and
information, physician referrals (based on patients & family), a communication network, support
groups and advocacy.
12413 Centralia Road
Lakewood, CA 90715-1653
debbifields@nhfonline.org
http://nhfonline.org
Tel: 562-924-6666 888-857-3434

Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation

National all-volunteer organization dedicated to funding a cure for hydrocephalus, educating and
raising awareness about the condition and offering support to the hydrocephalus community.

2004 Green Hollow Drive

Iselin, NJ 08830
info@hydrocephaluskids.org
http://www.HydrocephalusKids.org
Tel: 732-634-1283

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