What is Hydrocephalus?

How Does the Fluid Accumulate?

The mechanism of buildup is either an overproduction of CSF, an obstruction that prevents the CSF from flowing out of the ventricles, or poor absorption of the CSF back into the bloodstream. Obstruction is the most common cause.

What are the Symptoms in Adults vs. Children?

Infants show a rapidly enlarging head, bulging fontanelle, poor feeding, and irritability. Older children develop headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, and school performance changes. Adults present with persistent headaches, nausea, and balance trouble. In normal pressure hydrocephalus, gait instability, urinary urgency, and memory decline form a typical triad. Early recognition improves function with timely diversion of cerebrospinal fluid.

How is Hydrocephalus Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves imaging tests, most commonly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, to visualize the brain's ventricles and confirm the presence of excess fluid.

How Does This Condition Impact Vision or Eye Health?

Hydrocephalus directly impacts eye health by causing papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve head). The increased pressure inside the skull transfers to the optic nerve, causing vision loss, blurry vision, and sometimes strabismus (eye misalignment) or double vision.

What is the Standard Surgical Intervention?

The standard surgical intervention is the placement of a shunt. A shunt is a long, flexible tube placed in the brain to drain the excess CSF to another part of the body, such as the abdomen, where it is absorbed.