What is a Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid (liquid)in the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure(stress) on the brain, which can damage it. Hydrocephalus is a chronic, neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles, resulting in pressure on the brain. Hydrocephalus can develop for a number of reasons. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired.
Children and Adolescents
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the optic disc or papilledema
- Blurred or double vision
- Balance and gait
- abnormalities
- Slowing or loss of
- developmental progress
- Changes in personality
- Inability to concentrate
- Seizures
- Poor appetite
Urinary incontinence
Types of hydrocephalus
There are 3 main types of hydrocephalus:
- congenital hydrocephalus – hydrocephalus that’s present at birth
- acquired hydrocephalus – hydrocephalus that develops after birth
- normal pressure hydrocephalus – usually only develops in older people
Symptoms of hydrocephalus
The damage to the brain from hydrocephalus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- headache
- being sick
- blurred vision
- difficulty walking