Hydrocephalus

If you are suffering form Hydrocephalus, please Schedule an appointment with one of our neruosergons as soon as possible.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that involves an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles. As this excess fluid accumulates, it increases pressure inside the skull, which may damage brain tissue and trigger a variety of neurological symptoms.

Cerebrospinal fluid plays several essential roles—it cushions the brain, removes waste, and delivers nutrients. Normally, CSF flows through the ventricles and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream. However, when the body produces too much CSF, fails to absorb it properly, or if the flow becomes obstructed, the fluid builds up. This imbalance results in hydrocephalus.

Types of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can affect individuals of any age, though it most frequently occurs in infants and older adults. Based on its cause and onset, hydrocephalus is generally classified into three main types:

  • Congenital Hydrocephalus: Present at birth, often linked to genetic conditions or developmental abnormalities.

  • Acquired Hydrocephalus: Develops after birth, typically due to trauma, infection, tumors, or bleeding within the brain.

  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH): Most often seen in older adults, NPH causes walking difficulties, memory problems, and urinary incontinence, even though CSF pressure appears normal during testing.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on age and the severity of fluid buildup.

In infants, typical symptoms include:

  • Rapid head growth

  • A bulging or tense soft spot (fontanelle) on the head

  • Difficulty feeding

  • Persistent irritability

  • Seizures

In older children and adults, symptoms may include:

  • Frequent headaches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Balance and coordination issues

  • Memory loss or cognitive decline

  • Difficulty walking

Because hydrocephalus can progress quickly, timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing long-term brain damage and improving outcomes.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

To diagnose hydrocephalus accurately, our specialists begin with a detailed neurological evaluation. We then use imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to visualize CSF buildup. In certain cases, a lumbar puncture may be performed to measure CSF pressure and assess its composition.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we typically recommend surgical treatment. The two most effective procedures include:

  1. Shunt System Placement: A neurosurgeon inserts a flexible tube that diverts excess CSF from the brain to another area of the body, such as the abdomen, where the fluid is safely absorbed.
  2. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV): For select patients, this minimally invasive surgery creates a small opening in the third ventricle’s floor, enabling CSF to bypass the obstruction and flow normally.

 

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.