Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is the build up of too much fluid in the brain. The fluid is called cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The CSF builds up in the ventricles or open areas of the brain. Most CSF is made in the ventricles of the brain. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury by acting as a cushion. CSF normally flows or moves from the ventricles into the lower part of the brain. Once there, it flows to the outside part of the brain and the spinal cord. It is then absorbed into the blood stream.
If there is too much CSF in the ventricles, it creates more pressure on the brain than normal. This increase in pressure may cause brain damage or even death if it is not treated.
- Non-communicating hydrocephalus
The normal flow of CSF through the ventricles is blocked. - Communicating hydrocephalus
The flow of CSF is OK, but the CSF is not absorbed properly. - Congenital hydrocepahlus
Some children are born with hydrocephalus. This usually happens because the spaces where the CSF flows are too small. - Acquired hydrocepahlus Some children are not born with hydrocephalus. This usually happens after birth and is not caused by something the child was born with. Some examples may include brain tumors, head injuries, bleeding in the brain, or infections.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms may be different for each child.
Infants and toddlers
- Head enlargement (this will usually not be seen in children over 5 years old)
- Bulging soft spots on head
- More irritable or fussy
- Sleepy
- Bones on head may separate
- Sudden vomiting (throwing up)
- High pitch cry
- Eyes look downward (sunsetting)
Older Children
- Headache
- Nausea (sick to the stomach)
- Sudden vomiting (throwing up)
- Blurred or double vision
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Eyes look downward (sunsetting)
- Sleepy
- Confusion
- Irritable
- Drop in school performance
Tests and Treatments
Tests can be perormed to determine the cause of hydrocephalus and may be different for each child. When determined, your physician will decide what treatment is best for the child.
- Computerized Tomography (CT or CAT scan).
Uses an x-ray beam and a computer to generate 2 – D images of the brain. - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
MRI uses a radiofrequency energy machine and a strong magnetic field to provide detailed images of the brain. - Head ultrasound.
Uses sound waves looks at the fluid in the brain. - Head measurements
Uses head distance measurements. This may need to be done for several weeks or months. - Surgical Treatment-Shunt
A small flexible tube that usually runs under the skin from a the head to the belly. This tube is used to drain the extra fluid out of the brain. - Surgical Treatment-Third Ventriculostomy
A very small tube with a camera on the end of it is placed into the ventricle. A small opening is made in the bottom of the third ventricle. This allows CSF to flow into the area around the outside of the brain. After the opening is made the small tube is taken out. - Surgical Treatment-CSF drain
A drain used to remove the extra fluid out of the brain draining the fluid to the outside of the head. The fluid drains through a tube placed in the brain and into a special plastic bag. These drains are usually only used for a short period of time. - Medical treatment
In rare cases, medicine may be used to reduce the amount of fluid made in the brain.
Resources
- The Hydrocephalus Association
- The Hydrocephalus Foundation, Inc.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Hydrocepahlus Fact Sheet
Health-related material is provided for information purposes. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
