Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we know how complex hydrocephalus disease is for adults. It’s a brain disorder where too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up. This causes the brain’s ventricles to get bigger and puts pressure on the brain.

This condition, also known as “water on the brain,” can change a person’s life if not treated right.

It’s important to understand hydrocephalus to catch it early and manage it well. We’ll look at its signs and how it affects adults over time. This will help us better care for those with this condition.

Key Takeaways

• Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder causing abnormal CSF accumulation in the brain.
• It can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potentially damage the brain.
• Early diagnosis is key for managing hydrocephalus effectively.
• Knowing the long-term effects of hydrocephalus is essential for patient care.
• Liv Hospital offers top-notch treatment for hydrocephalus.

Understanding What Is Hydrocephalus Disease

Hydrocephalus is a condition where there’s too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This can cause the brain to swell. Knowing about hydrocephalus means understanding the medical terms and how CSF works in the brain.

Medical Definition and Terminology

Hydrocephalus happens when CSF builds up in the brain’s ventricles. This makes the ventricles get bigger. It can happen if CSF isn’t absorbed right or if there’s a blockage in the CSF pathways. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid in the brain and spine. It protects the brain and spine.

“Too much CSF can make the brain pressure go up,” says medical studies. Knowing what hydrocephalus is helps doctors treat it right.

Normal vs. Abnormal Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics

CSF is made in the brain’s ventricles at a rate of about 0.3-0.4 mL/min. This makes about 500 mL every day. It moves through the brain and is absorbed into the blood. But in hydrocephalus, CSF builds up because it can’t move right.

• Normal CSF Dynamics: Balanced production and absorption, free circulation.
• Abnormal CSF Dynamics: Obstruction, impaired absorption, or overproduction leading to accumulation.

Knowing the difference in CSF dynamics helps us see how hydrocephalus affects the brain. It also guides how to treat it.

Types of Hydrocephalus in Adults

Hydrocephalus in adults is not just one thing. It includes communicating, non-communicating, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Knowing these types is key for the right diagnosis and treatment.

Communicating Hydrocephalus

Communicating hydrocephalus happens when the body can’t absorb cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) well. This fluid can move freely between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space. It can be caused by meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or other issues with CSF absorption.

Non-Communicating (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus

Non-communicating hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage in the ventricular system. This blockage stops CSF from flowing normally. It can be due to congenital abnormalities, brain tumors, or cysts. The blockage causes CSF to build up, making the ventricles bigger.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) has normal CSF pressure but enlarged ventricles. It’s known for a classic set of symptoms: gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. The exact cause of NPH is not always clear, but it’s thought to be linked to problems with CSF movement.

Each type of hydrocephalus needs its own treatment plan. Knowing exactly which type someone has is vital for the best care.

Common Causes of Hydrocephalus in Adults

Adults can get hydrocephalus from different reasons, like congenital and acquired factors. Knowing these causes helps in preventing and managing the condition.

Congenital Factors

Some adults have congenital conditions that make them more likely to get hydrocephalus. For example, spina bifida or other neural tube defects can raise the risk. These conditions are there from birth but might not show up until adulthood.

Acquired Causes

Acquired causes are things that people can get over time. These include:

• Head trauma: Getting hurt in the head can cause hydrocephalus.
• Infections: Some infections, like meningitis, can cause inflammation that leads to hydrocephalus.
• Bleeding: Bleeding in the brain, like subarachnoid hemorrhage, can block cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a big reason for hydrocephalus in adults. TBI can happen from accidents, falls, or violence. How likely someone is to get hydrocephalus depends on how severe the TBI is.

Brain Tumors and Infections

Brain tumors and infections are also big causes. Tumors can block cerebrospinal fluid flow. Infections can cause inflammation that leads to hydrocephalus. Knowing about these causes is key for diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the causes of hydrocephalus in adults helps doctors create better treatment plans. This way, they can manage the condition more effectively.

Risk Factors for Developing Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus risk is tied to age and medical conditions. Knowing these factors helps in early detection and treatment.

Age-Related Factors

Age is a big risk factor for hydrocephalus, more common in older adults. As we get older, our brain’s ability to absorb cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drops. This, along with more health issues, raises the risk.

Older adults are more likely to get Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). NPH is a type of hydrocephalus where CSF builds up in the brain’s ventricles. It often shows up as trouble walking, memory loss, and not being able to control urine.

Medical Conditions That Increase Risk

Some health issues can make you more likely to get hydrocephalus. These include:

• Previous Central Nervous System (CNS) Infections: Infections like meningitis can cause inflammation and scarring in the CNS. This can block CSF flow and raise hydrocephalus risk.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI can lead to CSF buildup in the brain, increasing hydrocephalus risk.
• Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain can block CSF flow, causing hydrocephalus.

As shown in the table, many factors can increase hydrocephalus risk. Knowing these can help in early diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes for those affected.

Clinical Manifestations and Symptoms

It’s important to know the symptoms of hydrocephalus to get timely treatment. We’ll look at the signs adults with hydrocephalus might show. This will help you know when to seek medical help.

The Classic Triad: Gait Disturbance, Cognitive Decline, and Urinary Incontinence

Adults with hydrocephalus often show a classic triad of symptoms. These are gait disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. A gait disturbance makes walking hard. It’s like walking on a tightrope.

Cognitive decline means memory loss and trouble concentrating. It also makes solving problems harder. Urinary incontinence means you can’t control your bladder, leading to accidents.

These symptoms can really affect your life. They need careful care and support. Seeing this triad means you should check for hydrocephalus.

Other Neurological Symptoms

Adults with hydrocephalus may also have other symptoms. These include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances, such as double vision or blurred vision
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Seizures in some cases

These symptoms can affect how well you function every day. It’s key to notice them to get help fast.

Psychological and Behavioral Changes

Hydrocephalus can also cause changes in mood and behavior. These might be:

Spotting these changes is important. It helps in giving the right support and care to those with hydrocephalus.

Diagnosis of Hydrocephalus in Adults

Diagnosing hydrocephalus in adults is a detailed process. It uses advanced neuroimaging and thorough clinical checks.

Neuroimaging Techniques

Neuroimaging is key in spotting hydrocephalus. Tools like MRI and CT scans help see the brain’s ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid flow.

MRI gives detailed brain images, helping spot ventricle or CSF pathway issues. CT scans are quicker and handy in emergencies.

Clinical Assessments

Clinical checks are also vital. Doctors look for symptoms like gait issues, cognitive decline, and urinary problems.

A detailed neurological exam checks cognitive and motor skills. This helps figure out how severe the condition is and what treatment to use.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is important. It rules out other conditions with similar symptoms. This includes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.

By using neuroimaging, clinical assessments, and differential diagnosis, doctors can accurately diagnose hydrocephalus. They can then create a good treatment plan.

Treatment Options and Management Approaches

Managing hydrocephalus requires a mix of treatments to help symptoms and improve life quality. We’ll look at surgical options, medication, and rehab therapies.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery is key to treating hydrocephalus. Two main surgeries are used: shunt systems and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).

Shunt Systems

Shunt systems help by moving extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain. “Shunting is the most common treatment for hydrocephalus, helping many patients.” But, shunt problems or infections need quick medical help.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

ETV is a less invasive surgery that helps CSF flow better in the brain. “This method is growing in popularity, as it’s a shunt-free option for some patients.” It’s great for certain types of hydrocephalus.

Medication Management

Medicine helps support surgery in treating hydrocephalus. It can lower CSF production or ease symptoms like headaches.

Rehabilitation Therapies

Rehab is vital for patients recovering from hydrocephalus and its treatment. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies can greatly improve life quality.

“Rehabilitation is key to maximizing the patient’s life, helping them be more independent and fully engage in life.”

Long-Term Effects of Hydrocephalus in Adults

Hydrocephalus in adults can have lasting effects on thinking, moving, and overall health. It can lead to cognitive decline, physical limitations, and psychosocial consequences. We will dive into these impacts.

Cognitive and Neurological Impacts

Hydrocephalus can cause cognitive decline, affecting memory, attention, and executive functions. Adults with hydrocephalus may struggle with problem-solving and decision-making. For more information, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and.

Physical Limitations and Mobility Issues

Adults with hydrocephalus often face physical limitations, such as gait disturbances and balance problems. These issues can make daily activities challenging. Physical therapy may be needed to manage these symptoms.

Psychosocial Consequences

The psychosocial consequences of hydrocephalus can be significant, affecting mental health and social interactions. Adults may experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Support from family, friends, and mental health professionals is vital.

Impact on Quality of Life and Independence

Hydrocephalus can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life and independence. It can affect daily living activities, social relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding these impacts is key to providing effective care.

Complications and Emergency Situations

Hydrocephalus can cause serious problems that need quick medical help. These issues can come from the condition itself or from treatments.

One big risk is shunt malfunctions or infections. Shunt malfunctions happen when the device to drain fluid from the brain stops working. Infections can occur if bacteria grow on the shunt.

Shunt Malfunctions and Infections

Shunt malfunctions can lead to too much fluid in the brain, causing high pressure. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental state. Infections can cause fever, meningitis, or infection at the shunt site.

Prompt medical intervention is key for shunt malfunctions or infections. Treatment might include surgery to fix or replace the shunt and antibiotics for infections.

High Pressure Hydrocephalus Episodes

High pressure hydrocephalus episodes are another issue. These episodes happen when there’s a sudden increase in brain pressure. Symptoms include severe headaches, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Immediate medical attention is needed for these episodes. Treatment might include emergency procedures to lower brain pressure and fix fluid flow.

Factors That Make Hydrocephalus Worse

Several things can make hydrocephalus worse. These include aging, other health issues, and certain medicines. Knowing these factors is important for managing the condition well.

For example, aging can make symptoms of hydrocephalus worse. Also, conditions like diabetes or heart disease can make managing hydrocephalus harder.

By understanding these complications and taking action, people with hydrocephalus and their caregivers can improve their lives.

Conclusion

Hydrocephalus is a complex condition that needs a detailed management plan. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options is key. This helps improve the quality of life for those with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is when too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain. This causes increased pressure inside the skull. To manage it well, knowing its causes, symptoms, and treatments is essential. This includes surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.

With a thorough management plan, people with hydrocephalus can reduce its long-term effects. They can also improve their overall health. It’s important to keep supporting and caring for them. This ensures they get the treatment and resources they need to live a fulfilling life.

References

• NHS (Hydrocephalus Symptoms) : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hydrocephalus/symptoms