Hydrocephalus - Causes - Better Medicine

What causes hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus results from an imbalance between the formation of cerebrospinal fluid and its absorption. The cause of this is not always known.

In some cases, hydrocephalus can occur with other birth defects such as spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord) or it may be related to genetic abnormalities, infection, or trauma. Premature babies who have cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) may develop hydrocephalus. Sometimes it can occur as a result of a tumor that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

What are the risk factors for hydrocephalus?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing hydrocephalus. Not all people with risk factors will get hydrocephalus. Risk factors for hydrocephalus include:

Abnormalities of brain development and formation
Brain or spinal cord injury
Brain or spinal cord tumors
Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord) or other brain infection
Prenatal infection
Preterm birth
Spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord)

INTRODUCTION

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid collects in the brain. The fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid, is produced in cavities of the brain known as ventricles. The fluid fills the ventricles and flows into the spinal cord and out into the subarachnoid space where it absorbed. The subarachnoid space is a space between the layers of the membrane that cover the brain and spinal cor... Read more about hydrocephalus introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus symptoms can be quite subtle or very obvious depending upon age, rapidity of onset, cause, and how much damage has occurred.... Read more about hydrocephalus symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is hydrocephalus treated?

The goals of treating hydrocephalus are treating the underlying condition, alleviating any blockage if possible, relieving pressure, and preventing ongoing brain damage.... Read more about hydrocephalus treatments