Symptoms
Hydrocephalus is a condition that can happen at any age, though it is more common in infants and adults over 60. The condition occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles (cavities) in the brain. It forces the ventricles to expand, putting pressure on the brain. Symptoms of hydrocephalus vary based on a variety of factors, including age, disease progression and tolerance for the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid.
For infants, symptoms include:
A bulging spot on the top of the head
Downward-gazing eyes
Poor eating habits
Sleepiness
Irritability
Rapid growth of the head
Unusually large head
Vomiting
For older children, symptoms include:
Abnormal eye movements
Blurred or double vision
Headaches
Sleepiness
Abnormal head enlargement
Developmental delays
Poor appetite
Unstable balance
Poor bladder control
Vomiting
Poor coordination
For older adults, symptoms include:
Loss of bladder control
Memory problems
Mild dementia
Poor balance or coordination
Walking with a shuffling gait
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination by your doctor, who will ask about current symptoms and your (or your child’s) medical history. This visit will likely include an age-specific neurological exam to assess coordination, muscle condition and general well-being. From there, the doctor may suggest a range of diagnostic options, including:
These scanners use multiple X-ray images compiled with the help of a computer to create highly detailed 3D images of the brain.
Your doctor uses a noninvasive device to examine the optic nerve at the back of your eye.
Your surgeon temporarily inserts a small sensor into your brain to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Powerful magnets and radio waves are used to create detailed images of the brain. The images can show ventricles that have become enlarged by fluid buildup. They may also help pinpoint the cause of the hydrocephalus.
Your doctor will withdraw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from your spine for testing.
Sound waves are used to produce images of the brain. This test is commonly used as an initial option for infants.
Treatment
Unfortunately, hydrocephalus is a life-threatening condition that can only be treated through brain surgery. The earlier it can be diagnosed, the better the chances are for a strong recovery. Our team of multidisciplinary specialists offers the most advanced treatment options available, along with a full range of services to help you or your child manage ongoing symptoms.
There are two types of brain surgery used to treat hydrocephalus:
This is an option available for some patients. The surgeon makes a small hole in or near one of the brain’s ventricles. This hole allows cerebrospinal fluid to drain out of the brain.
This most common form of treatment uses a long, thin tube (shunt) to drain excess fluid from your brain to another part of your body, where it can be absorbed. Typically, one end of the drainage tube is placed in one of your brain’s ventricles. The tube then runs under the skin to an exit point in the abdomen or a heart chamber. The drainage system is generally a permanent solution, requiring regular monitoring by your doctor.
Our team participates in clinical trials that can offer our patients early access to promising surgical techniques and therapies for hydrocephalus.
