Hydrocephalus is a chronic condition. It can be controlled, but usually not cured. With appropriate early treatment, however, many people with hydrocephalus lead normal lives with few limitations. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults age 60 and older.

What kind of disease is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting pressure on the brain's tissues. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the clear, colorless fluid that protects and cushions the brain and spine.

Is hydrocephalus a brain disorder?

Hydrocephalus is a chronic, neurological condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles, resulting in pressure on the brain.

Is congenital hydrocephalus a disease?

Congenital hydrocephalus is a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain at birth. The extra fluid can increase pressure in the baby's brain, causing brain damage and mental and physical problems. This condition is rare.

Is hydrocephalus a terminal illness?

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it. If left untreated, hydrocephalus can be fatal.

Hydrocephalus and its treatment | Boston Children’s Hospital

15 related questions found

How long can a person with hydrocephalus live?

The mortality rate for hydrocephalus and associated therapy ranges from 0 to 3%. This rate is highly dependent on the duration of follow-up care. The shunt event-free survival is approximately 70% at 12 months and is nearly half that at 10 years, post-operatively.

How long does a shunt last?

Shunting is successful in reducing pressure in the brain in most people. VP shunts are likely to require replacement after several years, especially in small children. The average lifespan of an infant's shunt is two years. Adults and children over the age of 2 may not need a shunt replacement for eight or more years.

Can a child outgrow hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a lifelong condition. However, with proper treatment and maintenance, children with hydrocephalus can lead normal lives with few limitations.

Can a child with hydrocephalus live a normal life?

There is no cure for hydrocephalus, but with timely diagnosis and treatment, children with hydrocephalus can lead normal lives. They will require close care from physicians, neurosurgeons and sometimes neurologists as well.

Can hydrocephalus go away on its own?

Hydrocephalus is a condition of the brain where there is a pressure-induced deterioration of brain functions. It does not go away on its own and needs special treatment. Hydrocephalus is due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cavities deep within the brain. These cavities are called ventricles.

Can hydrocephalus cause death?

An excess of pressure on the brain is potentially harmful; thus hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage and even death.

Can hydrocephalus be cured?

Hydrocephalus has no cure, but there are treatments that allow those affected to lead fairly normal lives with the condition. In some cases, it is possible for the blockage that is causing the fluid to build in the brain to be surgically removed.

Does hydrocephalus affect memory?

Older adults

Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills.

What does brain fluid taste like?

An individual with a CSF leak may also notice clear, watery fluid draining from their nose or ears when they move their head, especially when bending forward. CSF may also drain down the back of the throat. People describe the taste as salty and metallic.

Can you drink alcohol with hydrocephalus?

The causes of hydrocephalus are varied and specific causes may have affected brain development. An individual's reaction to alcohol may vary based on their type of hydrocephalus or specific response to the substance. However, drinking in excess is not good for anyone, whatever their health status.

Can a person with hydrocephalus drive?

Hydrocephalus typically affects visual acuity, coordination, judgment, and concentration, all of the skills which are necessary to drive. Just learning how to coordinate between controlling the steering wheel and applying the accelerator or brake can be a daunting task when you have poor motor skills.

Can a child with hydrocephalus walk?

Many children with pediatric hydrocephalus have normal intelligence and physical development, but some may be slower to develop skills such as hand-eye coordination or learning to walk. Some may experience learning problems as they progress in school.

Can you outgrow a shunt?

Patients who had VP (Ventriculoperitoneal shunts) shunts placed for various reasons can sometimes outgrow their need for a shunt.

Can people with hydrocephalus have normal intelligence?

Children with internal hydrocephalus and hydrocephalus with meningomyelocele whose shunts were kept functioning were found to be of normal intelligence.

Is hydrocephalus a birth defect?

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common “birth defects” affecting more than 10,000 babies each year. One out of every 500 newborns has hydrocephalus.

Can people with shunts play sports?

Shunts are, in fact, difficult to break or dislodge and most sports - with few exceptions - should be encouraged. Children with Hydrocephalus, like all children, should be encouraged to try a variety of games and sports.

Is a person born with hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is often congenital, meaning babies are born with it, but infants and children can develop it as well. There is no one specific cause of congenital hydrocephalus.

Can a shunt last forever?

VP shunts do not work forever. When the shunt stops working: The child can have another buildup of fluid in the brain. Another surgery is needed to fix it.

Is a shunt in brain permanent?

Depending on the circumstances, a VP shunt can be temporary or permanent.

Is shunt surgery painful?

During VP shunt surgery, the doctor placed two small tubes (catheters) and a valve under your skin. After surgery, your neck or belly may feel tender. You will probably feel tired, but you should not have much pain.