Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes the accumulation of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it. The fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal cord. However, in hydrocephalus, the flow or absorption of CSF is impaired, leading to backups and blockages.
Hydrocephalus can affect anyone, but it is more common in infants and older adults. The exact incidence and prevalence of hydrocephalus are not well known, but some estimates suggest that it affects about 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 live births and about 700,000 adults in the United States.
Hydrocephalus can cause various symptoms, depending on the age of onset, the type of hydrocephalus, and the degree of pressure on the brain. Some of the common symptoms include:
- In infants: an unusually large head, a rapid increase in head size, a bulging or tense fontanelle (soft spot on top of the head), vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding, seizures, eyes fixed downward (sunsetting eyes), problems with muscle tone and strength
- In older children and adults: headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, balance problems, poor coordination, gait disturbance, urinary incontinence or urgency, cognitive problems such as memory loss, confusion, impaired concentration or reasoning
- In older adults: gait disturbance (difficulty walking), urinary incontinence or urgency (often mistaken for aging or dementia), cognitive problems such as memory loss, confusion, impaired concentration or reasoning
The main complications of hydrocephalus are brain damage and death. Hydrocephalus can also increase the risk of developing other neurological conditions such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or learning disabilities.
The treatment of hydrocephalus depends on the cause, type, and severity of the condition. The main goals of treatment are to relieve the pressure on the brain and restore the normal flow or absorption of CSF. Surgery is usually required to treat hydrocephalus. The most common surgical procedure is the insertion of a shunt system that drains excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed. Another surgical option is endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which creates a hole in the floor of one of the ventricles to allow CSF to bypass a blockage. Other treatments that may be used in some cases include medications to reduce CSF production or inflammation, or repeated lumbar punctures to drain excess CSF.
There are some celebrities who have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus or have publicly shared their experience with the condition. Here are five examples:
- Andy Warhol. Andy was an artist, filmmaker, and pop culture icon from the United States who was known for his works such as Campbell's Soup Cans (1962), Marilyn Diptych (1962), and The Factory (1963-1984). He was born with hydrocephalus and had several surgeries to treat his condition throughout his life. He also suffered from chronic headaches and vision problems as a result of his condition.
- Jorge Posada. Jorge is a former baseball player from Puerto Rico who played as a catcher for the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2011. He won five World Series championships and was selected to five All-Star games. He has a son named Jorge Luis who was born with hydrocephalus and craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones). He underwent several surgeries to treat his condition and has since recovered.
- Tia Mowry. Tia is an actress and television personality from the United States who is known for her roles in Sister, Sister (1994-1999), The Game (2006-2015), and Family Reunion (2019-present). She also has a twin sister named Tamera who is also an actress and television personality. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at three years old after suffering from seizures and headaches. She had surgery to implant a shunt system that drains excess fluid from her brain.
- Benjamin Walker. Benjamin is an actor and comedian from the United States who has appeared in films such as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), In the Heart of the Sea (2015), and The Choice (2016). He also starred in several Broadway shows such as Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (2010), American Psycho (2016), and All My Sons (2019). He was born with hydrocephalus and had surgery to insert a shunt system when he was six months old.
- Shuntelle Paynter. Shuntelle is a singer and songwriter from Bermuda who has released several albums and singles such as Love Me For Me (2008), I'm Ready (2010), and I'm Still Here (2016). She was born with hydrocephalus and had surgery to implant a shunt system when she was two years old. She has said that her condition has inspired her to pursue her passion for music and to help others with similar challenges.
These are just some of the celebrities who have hydrocephalus or have spoken about it publicly. There may be others who have not disclosed their diagnosis or are not aware of it. Hydrocephalus is a serious but treatable condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or occupation. It is important to raise awareness and educate people about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hydrocephalus, as well as to support research and advocacy for better outcomes and quality of life for patients and their families.
by Diseasemaps