Hydrocephalus is caused by an excess of cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the cavities of the brain known as “ventricles.” which can increase the intracranial pressure and cause damage to the brain. The clinical features of HCP are variable, depends on the severity of the condition, and time latency of symptoms development, hyperacute, acute or chronic. It varies from mild headache, gait disturbance, memory issues to very severe symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurring of vision, loss of consciousness and even death.
There are few types of HCP; the most common type is Obstructive HCP when there is an obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) passages while communicating HCP while communicating HCP, is related to failure of absorption of the CSF. There’s the less common type of HCP, mainly affecting old age group, called normal pressure HCP (NPH).
Management of patients with HCP is can vary, depending on the underlying cause. The most common surgical option to treat HCP is CSF shunts.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a good alternative option for certain types of obstructive HCP.
Below, you can find a simple explanation to Hydrocephalus:
Video Credits: Neuroscientifically Challenged