What is hydrocephalus?

• The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning head.


• As its name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive fluid in the brain.


• Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Hydrocephalus is believed to affect approximately 1 in every 500 children.

What are the different types of hydrocephalus?

• Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired. Congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward.

What causes hydrocephalus?

• The causes of hydrocephalus are not all well understood. Hydrocephalus may result from genetic inheritance or developmental disorders such as spina bifida and encephalocele.


• Other possible causes include complications of premature birth, meningitis, tumors or traumatic head injury.

How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?

• In infancy, the most obvious indication of hydrocephalus is often the rapid increase in head circumference or an unusually large head size.


• Hydrocephalus is diagnosed by using cranial imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or pressure-monitoring techniques.

What is the current treatment?

• Hydrocephalus is most often treated with the surgical placement of a shunt system. This system diverts the flow of CSF from the brain to another area of the body where it can be absorbed and excreted.


• A shunt system consists of the shunt, a catheter, and a valve. One end of the catheter is placed in the CNS. The other end of the catheter is commonly placed within the abdomen where the CSF can drain. The shunt system is placed as early as 48 hours after birth to prevent brain damage.


• Affected individuals and their families should be aware that hydrocephalus poses a possible risk to both cognitive and physical development. However, many children diagnosed with the disorder benefit from rehabilitation therapies and go on to lead normal lives with few limitations.

Treatment by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and educational experts is critical to a positive outcome.