https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an
abnormal accumulation of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain.
[1] This typically causes increased
pressure inside the skull. Older people may have
headaches,
double vision, poor balance,
urinary incontinence, personality changes, or
mental impairment. In babies there may be a rapid increase in head size. Other symptoms may include
vomiting, sleepiness,
seizures, and downward pointing of the eyes.
[1]
Hydrocephalus can occur due to
birth defects or be acquired later in life.
[1] Associated birth defects include
neural tube defects and those that result in
aqueductal stenosis.
[1][2] Other causes include
meningitis,
brain tumors,
traumatic brain injury,
intraventricular hemorrhage, and
subarachnoid hemorrhage. There are four types of hydrocephalus: communicating, non-communicating, ex-vacuo, and
normal pressure. Diagnosis is typically by examination and
medical imaging.
[1]
Hydrocephalus is typically treated by the surgical placement of a
shunt system. A procedure called a
third ventriculostomy may be an option in a few people. Complications from shunts may include overdrainage, underdrainage, mechanical failure,
infection, or obstruction. This may require replacement. Outcomes are variable; however, many live normal lives. Without treatment death may occur.
[1]
About one to two per 1,000 newborns have hydrocephalus.
[1][3] Rates in the
developing world may be more.
[4] Normal pressure hydrocephalus is estimated to affect about 5 per 100,000 people with rates increasing with age.
[5] Description of hydrocephalus by
Hippocrates date back more than 2000 years.
[4] The word "hydrocephalus" is from
Greek hydro-, meaning "water", and
kephalos, meaning "head".
[1]
