How to Say It: Hi-dro-sef-uh-liss
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This fluid surrounds the spinal cord and the brain. Too much of this fluid puts pressure on the brain.
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A person can be born with this problem or get it after an injury or illness.
Hydrocephalus can be caused by:
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
Symptoms may be mild at first and then get worse as pressure on the brain increases.
Problems in adults may be:
Problems in babies may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Images of the brain may be taken. This can be done with:
CSF may be tested in adults. This can be done with a lumbar puncture.
The goal of treatment is to ease pressure on the brain. Choices are:
There are no current guidelines to prevent this problem in adults. Getting regular prenatal care may help prevent it in infants.
National Hydrocephalus Foundation
http://nhfonline.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada
http://www.sbhac.ca
Hamilton MG. Treatment of hydrocephalus in adults. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2009 Mar;16(1):34-41.
Hydrocephalus in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hydrocephalus-in-adults. Accessed January 25, 2021.
Hydrocephalus in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hydrocephalus-in-children. Accessed January 25, 2021.
Hydrocephalus fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/hydrocephalus/detail_hydrocephalus.htm. Accessed January 25, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 1/25/2021
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