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What is Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus description. Find out what Hydrocephalus is and know more about it.

What is Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, providing essential nutrients and removing waste products. In hydrocephalus, the excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, leading to various symptoms.


Symptoms: The signs of hydrocephalus can vary depending on age and the rate of fluid accumulation. In infants, symptoms may include an enlarged head, bulging fontanelle (soft spot), irritability, poor feeding, and seizures. Older children and adults may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, difficulty in balance and coordination, cognitive impairments, and even changes in personality.


Causes: Hydrocephalus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Congenital hydrocephalus may result from genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders, while acquired hydrocephalus can be caused by infections, tumors, bleeding in the brain, or traumatic brain injury.


Treatment: The primary treatment for hydrocephalus is surgical intervention. The most common procedure involves the insertion of a shunt system, which diverts the excess CSF to another part of the body where it can be absorbed. In some cases, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) may be performed to create an alternative pathway for CSF drainage.


Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing hydrocephalus and preventing potential complications.


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Find people with Hydrocephalus through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Hydrocephalus community.

Stories of Hydrocephalus

HYDROCEPHALUS STORIES
Hydrocephalus stories
We found out at our 20 week anomaly scan that amelia-hope has spina bifida hydrocephalus and talipes. It was a very scary time. Amelia was born 20th august 2013 she had he back closure at 3 days old and she had her vp shunt fitted at 10 days old. Tou...
Hydrocephalus stories
i got hydro due to a tumour in my brain which was discovered when I was 4years old. Had 25 years without complications, but then the shunt broke and I had 10 surgeries in 1,5 years. Many failures and infections. Now I have a VA-shunt since Nov-14. I ...
Hydrocephalus stories
I developed Hydrocephalus in 2010 and it has made me A lot Stronger. I have met so many people online who also have the Condition or a Loved one so now I see that I am not alone. My Life has changed so much, Because I also had 2 Brain Surgerys in the...
Hydrocephalus stories
I have had hydrocephalus since I was 9 months old, after contrating meningitis.  I had a revision at 5 years old and 13 years ol.  I had the shunt removed in 2013.  I am 4 clases from starting my diseataion an I am a full time security guard, rais...
Hydrocephalus stories
I was born April 1982 with hydrocephalus. I had first op aged 6 months old. I am now 34 and have had 12 surgeries to date. I consider myself lucky as i really have no restrictions due to my hydro. I like running half and full marathons for charity.

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Hydrocephalus forum

HYDROCEPHALUS FORUM
Hydrocephalus forum
 Anyone with successfully treated low pressure hydrocephalus?  What did they do?

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