Hydrocephalus is the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities(ventricles) in the brain. This buildup becomes problematic when it starts to put pressure on the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column. But the pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues and cause a range of impairments in brain function.
Hydrocephalus can occur after a brain injury, brain bleed, or brain infection. Excess CSF in the brain can occur because obstruction (blocked flow of CSF), poor absorption (blood vessels cannot absorb CSF), or over production (too much CSF).
Symptoms can include:
- Loss of bladder function
- Memory loss
- Progressive loss of cognitive function
- Gait changes or difficulty walking
- Feeling off balance or uncoordinated
Imaging tests allow for diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms as it relates to the images obtained from your scans.
These are some of the scans that may be performed:
- Computerized Tomography (CT): Non-invasive x-ray to look at the structures within the brain
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer generated radio waves to create detailed images of the brain
Treatment
Medical management and treatment of hydrocephalus is aimed to restore or maintain normal CSF levels in the brain.
Shunting
A long, flexible tube with a valve is surgically placed in order to prevent fluid from over accumulating in the brain and to establish flow in the right direction and at the proper rate.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
A small video camera to visualize the brain and the surgeon makes a hole in the bottom of one of the ventricles or between the ventricles to promote cerebrospinal outflow of the brain.