Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull, surrounding the brain. Normally, CSF flows through spaces in the brain called ventricles, but in hydrocephalus, this fluid accumulates, causing the ventricles to enlarge. The resulting pressure can damage nearby brain tissues, leading to developmental, physical, or cognitive problems if left untreated.
Hydrocephalus Disease and Causes
Hydrocephalus is caused by the abnormal accumulation of excess fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) within the brain. This buildup leads to increased pressure inside the skull, which can damage brain tissue if not treated.
There are over 100 possible causes that can lead to this condition, but generally, the underlying reasons are based on the following three conditions:
- Excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid
- Blockage or narrowing in the ventricles, leading to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow
- Inability of the produced fluid to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in accumulation
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus
Symptoms of hydrocephalus are typically complaints related to increased intracranial pressure. Some of the symptoms that may occur in cases of congenital hydrocephalus include:
- Enlarged head size compared to normal
- Swelling in the soft area at the top of the skull, known as the fontanelle
- Eyes fixed downwards
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeding problems
- Tendency to sleep
- Seizures
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Adults
In adults, hydrocephalus can also develop as a result of conditions like brain hemorrhage, brain tumors, head trauma, or infections. These factors can interfere with the normal flow or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to its accumulation in the brain.
In such cases, the possible symptoms that may occur are generally as follows:
- Chronic headaches
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty in walking
- Bladder problems
- Vision-related issues
- Memory impairment
- Difficulty concentrating
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in Babies
In babies, infections or blockages that disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid can cause the skull to enlarge rapidly. This increased pressure on the brain may lead to symptoms such as seizures, difficulty with feeding, and reduced muscle tone. Identifying these early warning signs is important for timely diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus in infants.
Symptoms of Hydrocephalus in the Elderly
In individuals over the age of 60, the following symptoms may occur if hydrocephalus develops:
- Frequent urge to urinate, loss of bladder control
- Memory loss
- Progressive loss of cognitive functions and judgment
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of balance and coordination
Hydrocephalus Treatment
If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be life-threatening. The main goal of treatment is to prevent further brain damage, as past injuries often cannot be reversed. Surgery is the primary intervention, with procedures such as shunt placement (inserting a tube to drain excess fluid) or ventriculostomy (creating a new pathway for fluid flow) used to remove or redirect cerebrospinal fluid and relieve pressure on the brain.
Treatment Methods for Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is commonly treated with brain surgery, most often through a procedure called shunt surgery. In this operation, a neurosurgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube (shunt) into the brain’s ventricles to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. The shunt then directs the fluid to another part of the body, typically the abdominal cavity, where it can be safely absorbed. This helps relieve pressure on the brain and prevents further damage.
Surgical Procedures in Hydrocephalus Treatment
Endoscopic ventriculostomy is another surgical treatment option for hydrocephalus. In this procedure, a neurosurgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) into the third ventricle of the brain. This allows the surgeon to create an opening that bypasses blockages and restores the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, helping to relieve pressure on the brain without the need for a shunt.
What Should Hydrocephalus Patients Pay Attention To?
The extent of damage caused by hydrocephalus can vary greatly between individuals and depends on factors such as how the condition progresses or any related infections. It’s important for families to work closely with pediatric specialists and special education professionals to tailor care to each child’s unique needs. Delays in reaching developmental milestones—like sitting, crawling, walking, or talking—are common in children with hydrocephalus. Early rehabilitation and individualized support can make a significant difference in helping children adapt and reach their full potential.
Hydrocephalus and Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for people with hydrocephalus depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, underlying causes, specific symptoms, and how well treatment works. For instance, adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus may see improvements in walking, bladder control, or cognitive function after shunt surgery, but not everyone experiences these benefits—and some may see little or no improvement even after months. Regular follow-up and individualized management are crucial for optimizing outcomes and quality of life.
How Long Do Hydrocephalus Babies Live?
In general, it is difficult to predict life expectancy for someone with hydrocephalus because it depends on many factors, such as the severity of the condition and how well it is managed. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
End-Stage Hydrocephalus and Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for individuals with hydrocephalus varies widely and depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, underlying cause, and effectiveness of treatment. If hydrocephalus results in permanent brain damage, it can lead to long-term complications such as autism, learning difficulties, problems with speech and vision, physical coordination challenges, memory issues, and attention deficits. Because there are so many variables, it is not possible to accurately predict life expectancy for each person.
Types of Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus can develop at any age, but it most frequently affects infants and older adults.
Hydrocephalus is primarily classified into two types:
- Non-communicating hydrocephalus, which occurs as a result of blockage between the ventricles. This blockage prevents the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Communicating hydrocephalus, which arises from the inability of the produced cerebrospinal fluid to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The term 'communicating' indicates that the fluid continues to circulate within the ventricles without encountering any obstruction.
Hydrocephalus can be classified as either congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus occurs in infants due to genetic abnormalities or developmental problems affecting brain structures. Acquired hydrocephalus, including normal pressure hydrocephalus, can develop later in life as a result of conditions such as brain hemorrhage, tumors, head trauma, or meningitis.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
A frequently asked question is, 'What is benign hydrocephalus?' Normal pressure hydrocephalus, sometimes referred to as benign hydrocephalus, usually develops gradually and primarily affects people over the age of 60. Early symptoms may include sudden, unexplained falls without loss of consciousness.
Other common symptoms include changes in walking, problems with cognitive function, and difficulty controlling urination.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benign Hydrocephalus
Detecting benign hydrocephalus can be more challenging due to the mild onset and gradual progression of symptoms.
Can Hydrocephalus be Detected During Pregnancy?
Hydrocephalus in the fetus (enlargement of the brain ventricles due to excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid) can be detected during pregnancy, but diagnosis typically requires routine ultrasound or other medical imaging methods during pregnancy. Symptoms of hydrocephalus usually manifest after birth or as the baby grows.
Can Hydrocephalus Patients Walk?
Hydrocephalus patients, especially adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus, may experience difficulty walking. Individuals may struggle to take steps or feel their feet frozen while walking. Early diagnosis and intervention, if there is no permanent damage, can contribute to walking with appropriate rehabilitation approaches.
Can Hydrocephalus Patients Survive?
It is possible for hydrocephalus patients to live with early diagnosis and intervention, considering it is a complex and lifelong condition.
Hydrocephalus refers to the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain. If you notice symptoms of this life-threatening condition in yourself or your loved ones, it is recommended to seek support from healthcare facilities and consult with specialist physicians.
How is Hydrocephalus Treated in Children?
Circulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) occurs within the ventricular cavities of the brain. Increased CSF production, obstruction during circulation (such as by a tumor or stenosis), Headachesor blockage during absorption (due to conditions like widespread brain hemorrhage or meningitis) can lead to CSF accumulation and ventricular dilation.
If this increases pressure inside a child's head, hydrocephalus develops. In such cases, infants' heads begin to enlarge, their head circumference increases, and vomiting may occur. , followed by visual impairments and various neurological signs, may later appear.
Surgeons evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate treatment for hydrocephalus. This may involve the placement of a device called a shunt, which drains CSF into the abdominal cavity, or, in suitable cases, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is performed to open the blocked CSF circulation system.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .