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Hydrocephalus
Moderate
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in or around the brain, causing enlargement of the brain spaces and potentially harmful pressure on brain tissue. It can occur before birth, during infancy, in childhood, or later in adulthood. Symptoms vary with age and cause and may include headache, vomiting, vision problems, balance difficulties, changes in thinking or memory, and problems with bladder control. Untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage.
Body System
Head & Brain
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical attention for rapidly worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing drowsiness or confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, sudden worsening of balance or walking, or significant changes in vision or behavior. Acute symptoms may require emergency evaluation.
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
7
Diet
3
Overview
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in or around the brain, causing enlargement of the brain spaces and potentially harmful pressure on brain tissue. It can occur before birth, during infancy, in childhood, or later in adulthood. Symptoms vary with age and cause and may include headache, vomiting, vision problems, balance difficulties, changes in thinking or memory, and problems with bladder control. Untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage.
Symptoms 4
Dizziness
Fainting
Headache
Nausea
Causes
Hydrocephalus develops when cerebrospinal fluid cannot flow normally, is not adequately absorbed into the bloodstream, or is produced in excessive amounts. Causes include congenital developmental abnormalities, genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy, bleeding in or around the brain, head injury, tumors, meningitis, encephalitis, and other disorders affecting cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a form that generally occurs in older adults and can develop after certain brain injuries, bleeding, infections, or surgery.
Risk Factors
Risk factors depend on the type of hydrocephalus. Congenital forms may be associated with genetic conditions or developmental abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. In children, previous infections of the central nervous system, bleeding around birth, tumors, or head injury can increase risk. In adults, head trauma, brain bleeding, meningitis, brain surgery, or other conditions affecting cerebrospinal fluid circulation may contribute. Older age is associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis involves assessment of symptoms, medical history, neurological function, and brain imaging. Ultrasound may be useful in infants before the skull bones have fully joined. CT and MRI scans can show enlargement of the brain ventricles, identify abnormalities, and help determine a possible cause. In suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus, additional tests may evaluate cerebrospinal fluid and determine whether symptoms are likely to improve after fluid removal or other diagnostic procedures.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Not all hydrocephalus can be prevented because some forms result from genetic or developmental conditions
Protecting infants and children from head injury and obtaining prompt treatment for infections that affect the brain or spinal cord may reduce the risk of some acquired cases
Appropriate prenatal care can help identify certain developmental problems
People with conditions that may cause bleeding or injury to the brain should receive timely medical care and follow recommended treatment and monitoring
Prevention Guidance
Not all hydrocephalus can be prevented because some forms result from genetic or developmental conditions. Protecting infants and children from head injury and obtaining prompt treatment for infections that affect the brain or spinal cord may reduce the risk of some acquired cases. Appropriate prenatal care can help identify certain developmental problems. People with conditions that may cause bleeding or injury to the brain should receive timely medical care and follow recommended treatment and monitoring.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 7
Medical and surgical management of hydrocephalus.
Ayurvedic supportive care.
Homeopathic supportive management.
Supportive acupressure care.
Gentle supervised yoga practices.
Natural supportive therapies.
Traditional supportive management.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Balanced diet
Supports overall health
Fresh fruits
Provide vitamins
Vegetables
Support nutrition
Foods to Avoid
Highly processed foods
Offer limited nutrition
Excess salt
Should be limited as advised
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates within the brain.
Birth defects, infections, brain injuries, tumors, or blockages in fluid flow can cause hydrocephalus.
Headache, nausea, balance problems, vision changes, and cognitive difficulties may occur.
Diagnosis usually involves MRI, CT scans, neurological evaluation, and imaging studies.
Yes, treatment often involves surgical procedures such as shunt placement to drain excess fluid.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.