Can Hydrocephalus be Cured?

No

Manageable with treatment; lifelong monitoring is often necessary

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, causing increased intracranial pressure. Treatment often involves surgical placement of a shunt to drain the fluid.

Clinical Aspects

Characteristics

Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain

Symptoms

Headache, nausea, enlarged head

Diagnosis

Imaging studies, clinical examination

Prognosis

Variable; depends on the cause and response to treatment

Complications

Neurological deficits, complications of untreated hydrocephalus

Etiology and Treatment

Causes

Congenital conditions, infections, tumors

Treatments

Shunt placement, endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Prevention