Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Are you worried about memory loss, trouble walking, or other brain symptoms? Hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain, affects adults for many reasons. At Liv Hospital, we offer top-notch medical care and services to patients worldwide.

Hydrocephalus in adults happens when too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles. This can be due to blockages, less absorption, or too much fluid. Common reasons include head injuries, brain tumors, and a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus that comes with age. For more details on adult hydrocephalus, check out the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Key Takeaways

• Hydrocephalus can occur at any age but is most common in adults aged 60 and older.
• Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) accounts for a significant percentage of dementia cases.
• Common causes of NPH include head injury, cranial surgery, and hemorrhage.
• Liv Hospital provides world-class healthcare with complete support for international patients.
• Understanding the causes of hydrocephalus is key to giving the right medical care.

Understanding Hydrocephalus: What Causes Fluid on the Brain

Hydrocephalus is a condition where fluid builds up in the brain. It affects adults in different ways. This usually happens because of problems with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. We’ll look at how CSF works, how hydrocephalus develops, and its signs and symptoms.

The Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Brain Function

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is key to brain health. It cushions the brain, keeps its chemical balance, and helps remove waste. CSF is made by the choroid plexus in the ventricles. It moves through the brain and spinal cord before being absorbed into the blood.

CSF circulation is important for:

• Maintaining intracranial pressure
• Supplying nutrients to the brain
• Removing waste products from the brain

How Hydrocephalus Develops in Adults

Hydrocephalus occurs when there’s an imbalance in CSF production, flow, or absorption. In adults, this imbalance can stem from injuries, tumors, bleeding, or infections.

Some common causes of hydrocephalus in adults include:

Cause	Description
Traumatic Brain Injury	Head trauma can disrupt CSF pathways
Brain Tumors	Tumors can block CSF circulation
Intracranial Hemorrhage	Bleeding can obstruct CSF pathways
Infections	Meningitis and other infections can cause inflammation

Signs and Symptoms to Recognize

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Gait disturbances
• Cognitive decline
• Urinary incontinence

Research suggests that up to 6 percent of dementia cases in people over 60 might be due to normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Knowing the causes and symptoms of hydrocephalus is key to proper care and treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injury as a Trigger for Hydrocephalus

The link between traumatic brain injury and hydrocephalus is complex. It involves problems with cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Such injuries can harm brain function, possibly causing hydrocephalus. We will look into how this happens.

How Brain Trauma Disrupts CSF Circulation

Traumatic brain injury can mess up cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in several ways. The injury can cause inflammation and scarring in the brain. This might block CSF pathways.

Also, the injury can cause bleeding into the CSF spaces. This makes CSF flow and absorption even harder.

Key mechanisms include:

• Inflammation and scarring
• Bleeding into CSF spaces
• Damage to CSF absorption structures

Types of Injuries Most Likely to Cause Hydrocephalus

Not every traumatic brain injury leads to hydrocephalus. But, some types are more likely to cause it. Severe injuries, like those with a lot of bleeding or brain damage, are more common.

Common injury types include:

1. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
2. Intracerebral hemorrhage
3. Diffuse axonal injury

Timeline from Injury to Symptom Development

The time from a traumatic brain injury to hydrocephalus symptoms can vary. Symptoms might show up right after the injury or later.

Factors influencing the timeline include:

• Severity of the initial injury
• Presence of complications such as infection or further bleeding
• Effectiveness of initial treatment and management

Brain Tumors and Their Impact on CSF Flow

Brain tumors can cause hydrocephalus in adults by blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This blockage leads to fluid buildup. We will look at how this happens and the symptoms it causes.

Blockages in CSF Pathways

Tumors can block CSF pathways by physically blocking the narrow passages. This can happen at different points, like the cerebral aqueduct or the fourth ventricle. As a result, CSF builds up, causing increased pressure inside the skull.

Key locations where tumors can cause blockages include:

• The third ventricle
• The cerebral aqueduct
• The fourth ventricle
• The subarachnoid space

Common Tumor Locations That Lead to Hydrocephalus

Some brain tumors are more likely to cause hydrocephalus because of where they are. Tumors near the ventricular system are more likely to block CSF flow. We look at the most common tumor locations and their characteristics.

Notable tumor types include:

1. Medulloblastomas, which often occur in the cerebellum and can block CSF flow
2. Ependymomas, which arise from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles
3. Meningiomas, which can compress the brain and CSF pathways

Differentiating Tumor Symptoms from Hydrocephalus Symptoms

Diagnosing hydrocephalus with a brain tumor can be tricky because symptoms overlap. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting can come from both the tumor and hydrocephalus. We talk about why it’s important to tell these symptoms apart for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Intracranial Hemorrhage: When Bleeding Causes Fluid Buildup

Intracranial hemorrhage can start a chain of events that leads to hydrocephalus. This condition is marked by fluid buildup in the brain. It’s a serious issue where bleeding happens inside the brain or around it.

Understanding the Types of Brain Hemorrhages There are different types of brain hemorrhages linked to hydrocephalus. These include subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage. Each type has its own traits and possible complications.

Types of Brain Hemorrhages Associated with Hydrocephalus

Subarachnoid hemorrhage happens in the space between the brain and its covering. It can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to hydrocephalus. Intraventricular hemorrhage, bleeding into the brain’s ventricles, also affects CSF flow and can cause hydrocephalus. Intracerebral hemorrhage, while less directly linked, can also lead to hydrocephalus if the bleeding is significant or affects CSF pathways.

Acute vs. Delayed Hydrocephalus After Hemorrhage

Hydrocephalus can appear either right after the hemorrhage or later, weeks or months after. The timing depends on the hemorrhage’s severity, location, and the person’s health.

“The development of hydrocephalus after intracranial hemorrhage is a complex process, influenced by multiple factors including the type and severity of the hemorrhage.” –

A medical expert’s statement

Risk Factors That Increase Hemorrhage Complications

Some risk factors make complications from hemorrhage more likely. These include being older, having high blood pressure, and pre-existing vascular conditions. Knowing these risk factors is key to managing and preventing hydrocephalus.

Understanding these risk factors and how intracranial hemorrhage leads to hydrocephalus is vital. It helps us give the right care and support to those affected.

Infections of the Central Nervous System

Hydrocephalus can be caused by infections in the brain and spinal cord. This shows how important it is to know about CNS infections and CSF dynamics. Meningitis, for example, can cause hydrocephalus by inflaming the meninges and blocking CSF flow. We will look at how these infections lead to hydrocephalus and the long-term effects.

Meningitis and Its Relationship to Hydrocephalus

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord’s protective membranes. It is a known cause of hydrocephalus. The inflammation can block CSF flow, leading to its buildup and increased pressure.

Bacterial meningitis is known for causing severe complications, including hydrocephalus. The inflammation of the arachnoid and pia mater can cause scarring and adhesions. These block CSF pathways, preventing its normal circulation and absorption.

Other Infectious Causes: Encephalitis and Abscess

Encephalitis and brain abscesses can also cause hydrocephalus. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue, usually from viral infections. It can swell and damage brain tissue, disrupting CSF circulation.

Brain abscesses are collections of pus in the brain. They can block CSF pathways and lead to hydrocephalus. The presence of an abscess can cause localized inflammation and damage, affecting brain tissue and disrupting CSF flow.

Long-term Complications of Infection-Related Hydrocephalus

Infection-related hydrocephalus can lead to long-term complications. These include cognitive impairment, gait disturbances, and urinary incontinence. The severity and nature of these complications depend on the cause and extent of the infection.

Managing infection-related hydrocephalus requires treating the underlying infection and managing hydrocephalus. Understanding long-term complications is key to providing the right care and support.

Infection	Mechanism Leading to Hydrocephalus	Potential Long-term Complications
Meningitis	Inflammation causing obstruction of CSF pathways	Cognitive impairment, seizures, hearing loss
Encephalitis	Inflammation and damage to brain tissue	Memory loss, personality changes, epilepsy
Brain Abscess	Localized inflammation and obstruction of CSF pathways	Focal neurological deficits, seizures, cognitive decline

Post-Surgical Complications Leading to CSF Accumulation

Surgery can sometimes cause unexpected problems, like hydrocephalus. Some brain surgeries are more likely to lead to hydrocephalus. This is because they can affect how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) moves.

Brain Surgeries with Highest Risk of Hydrocephalus

Some brain surgeries are more likely to cause hydrocephalus. This is because of their complexity and the brain areas they touch. These include:

• Surgical removal of brain tumors
• Operations for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Procedures involving the ventricles or CSF pathways

These surgeries can mess with CSF flow. This can lead to hydrocephalus.

How Surgical Interventions Disrupt Normal CSF Flow

Surgery can affect CSF flow in different ways:

1. Direct manipulation of CSF pathways
2. Bleeding or inflammation during or after surgery
3. Scarring or adhesions that block CSF flow

Knowing how surgery can disrupt CSF flow helps in planning to prevent it.

Preventive Measures During and After Surgery

To lower the risk of hydrocephalus, surgeons and healthcare teams take several steps:

Preventive Measure	Description	Timing
Careful surgical planning	Preoperative imaging and planning to avoid CSF pathways	Before Surgery
Intraoperative CSF management	Techniques to minimize CSF leakage or blockage	During Surgery
Postoperative monitoring	Close observation for signs of hydrocephalus or CSF disturbances	After Surgery

By understanding the risks and taking these steps, healthcare providers can lower the chance of post-surgical hydrocephalus.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Aging

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) mainly affects older adults. It comes with specific symptoms. As we get older, the chance of getting NPH grows, making it a big worry for seniors.

The Triad of Symptoms: Gait, Incontinence, and Dementia

NPH has a set of symptoms: trouble walking, not being able to control urine, and dementia. These issues can really hurt someone’s life and daily tasks. Walking problems can make falls more likely. Not being able to control urine can make people feel isolated. Dementia can make thinking harder.

Seeing these symptoms means doctors should think about NPH. Spotting them early is key to helping patients.

Why NPH Is Often Misdiagnosed

NPH is often mistaken for other age-related problems like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Its symptoms can look like normal aging or other brain diseases. This can cause delays in finding the right treatment.

Research on NCBI shows that getting a correct diagnosis needs a detailed check-up. Doctors must be careful to not confuse NPH with other diseases.

Connection Between NPH and Other Age-Related Conditions

NPH often happens with other age-related issues, making it harder to diagnose and treat. Problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can make NPH symptoms worse.

• Hypertension can hurt brain blood flow, making NPH symptoms worse.
• Diabetes can cause brain blood vessel changes that might lead to NPH.
• Heart disease can harm brain health, raising NPH risk.

Knowing how NPH and these conditions work together is key to good treatment plans. Treating these other health issues can help improve patients’ lives.

Congenital Abnormalities Presenting in Adulthood

While often seen in babies, some birth defects can show up in adults. For example, aqueductal stenosis can cause hydrocephalus in adults. These conditions might not show symptoms until much later in life.

Aqueductal Stenosis and Other Structural Issues

Aqueductal stenosis is a narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct. It’s a common birth defect that can lead to hydrocephalus in adults. Other brain issues, like ventricle problems or cysts, can also cause hydrocephalus.

It’s key to understand these birth defects to diagnose and treat hydrocephalus in adults. Even if someone has no symptoms from childhood, we should think about these conditions.

Why Some Congenital Conditions Remain Dormant Until Adulthood

Several things can make symptoms of birth defects appear later. For example, changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or age-related brain changes can trigger hydrocephalus.

The mix of birth defects and age-related changes makes diagnosis tricky. We must look at both the patient’s past and current symptoms when diagnosing hydrocephalus.

Genetic Factors in Adult-Onset Hydrocephalus

Genetics are a big part of birth defects that can lead to hydrocephalus. Studying these genetics can help us understand adult-onset hydrocephalus better.

By looking into genetic factors, we can improve diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in adults. This can lead to better care for those with this condition.

Conclusion: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a complex condition with various causes in adults. These include traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, and intracranial hemorrhage. At Liv Hospital, we’ve seen big improvements in diagnosing and treating hydrocephalus, leading to better patient outcomes.

Understanding hydrocephalus causes and symptoms has helped us manage it better. We’ve talked about how different factors lead to fluid on the brain. Early intervention is key.

We’re dedicated to using the latest medical advancements and providing complete care. This allows us to give our patients the best treatment. By knowing the causes of hydrocephalus in adults and using the latest treatments, we can greatly improve their quality of life.

Medical technology and surgical techniques have greatly improved. They help us diagnose and treat hydrocephalus better. This tackles the root causes of fluid on the brain and lowers the risk of complications.

FAQ

References:

1. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (n.d.). Adult-onset hydrocephalus. https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/adult-onset-hydrocephalus
2. Author(s). (Year). Normal pressure hydrocephalus. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560875