What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s fluid cavities, which are called ventricles. CSF is fluid that circulates in the brain and spinal cord to provide protective cushioning and nutrients to the brain. A fluid buildup results in pressure within the skull, which is called increased intracranial pressure. The buildup of CSF can be caused by:

• Obstruction of the flow of CSF, the most common condition
• Failure of parts of the brain to absorb CSF
• Overproduction of CSF

What is the normal flow of CSF in the brain?

• CSF flow begins at the lateral ventricles
• CSF flows through two passages into the third ventricle
• From the third ventricle, the CSF flows through another narrow passage into the fourth ventricle
• From the fourth ventricle, the CSF flows through three openings into the space that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord, where it is normally absorbed

What are the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus?
Infancy:

• Increased head growth
• Full and tense fontanelle (soft spot)
• Dilated scalp veins
• Sunset eyes (look downward)
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Sleepiness
• Seizures

Toddlers:

• Increased head growth
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination or balance

Children/Adolescents:

• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Vision problems
• Irritability
• Sleepiness
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Seizures
• Decline in school performance

What tests are used to diagnose hydrocephalus?

• Cat scan
• MRI scan
• X-rays
• Ultrasound

What are the most common treatments for hydrocephalus?

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt (most common)
In this surgical procedure, a shunt (a small flexible tube) is placed to drain the CSF from the ventricles in the brain into the abdominal cavity called the peritoneal cavity.

Possible complications include:

• Obstruction
• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Disengagement of the shunt parts
• Mechanical malfunction of the valve

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy
In this surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the thinned floor of the third ventricle, allowing movement of CSF out of the blocked ventricular system into the fluid spaces around the brain and spinal cord.

Possible complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Closure

When to call your doctor: If your child has the above symptoms, you should call your neurosurgeon.

*Note: This information is intended to be used in consultation with your health care provider. It does not replace specific instructions, directions or warnings given to you by your child’s physician.