{"id":11704,"date":"2025-11-20T23:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T20:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/?p=11704"},"modified":"2025-11-20T10:46:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T07:46:34","slug":"what-is-hydrocephalus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Hydrocephalus? How Is Hydrocephalus Treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 53 seconds<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to conditions affecting the brain, many questions naturally arise. One of the topics among these questions is hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus, which can be seen in many different age groups, is a serious condition that may lead to significant consequences.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we will address the most frequently asked questions about hydrocephalus, from \u201cwhat is hydrocephalus\u201d to its treatment methods. If you are curious, this article may provide you with valuable insights. Let\u2019s begin with the following question: What is hydrocephalus?<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#What_is_hydrocephalus\" title=\"What is hydrocephalus?\">What is hydrocephalus?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#What_are_the_types_of_hydrocephalus\" title=\"What are the types of hydrocephalus?\">What are the types of hydrocephalus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#What_causes_hydrocephalus\" title=\"What causes hydrocephalus?\">What causes hydrocephalus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#What_are_the_symptoms_of_hydrocephalus\" title=\"What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?\">What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#How_is_hydrocephalus_diagnosed\" title=\"How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?\">How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#Can_hydrocephalus_be_treated\" title=\"Can hydrocephalus be treated?\">Can hydrocephalus be treated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#How_is_hydrocephalus_treated\" title=\"How is hydrocephalus treated?\">How is hydrocephalus treated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/what-is-hydrocephalus\/#What_is_the_life_expectancy_or_long-term_outlook_for_hydrocephalus\" title=\"What is the life expectancy or long-term outlook for hydrocephalus?\">What is the life expectancy or long-term outlook for hydrocephalus?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_hydrocephalus\"><\/span>What is hydrocephalus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by the excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain\u2019s ventricles. Normally, this fluid protects the brain against external factors, removes waste, and carries nutrients. However, when too much fluid accumulates, the ventricles begin to enlarge. Enlarged ventricles put pressure on the brain, and this pressure affects normal brain functions. Depending on age and the severity of the buildup, a variety of symptoms may occur.<\/p>\n<p>As the name suggests, hydrocephalus is derived from the words hydro (water) and cephalus (head), meaning simply \u201cwater on the brain.\u201d This condition can occur at any stage of life, from newborns to older adults. Its effects can vary greatly depending on its severity.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_types_of_hydrocephalus\"><\/span>What are the types of hydrocephalus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hydrocephalus is not a single disease but rather a term covering a group of related disorders. Doctors classify hydrocephalus into different types depending on how and when it develops. Knowing these distinctions is important because treatment and disease progression may vary accordingly. The main types include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Congenital hydrocephalus:<\/strong> Present at birth, often due to genetic factors or developmental issues during pregnancy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Acquired hydrocephalus:<\/strong> Develops later in life, usually as a result of injury, infection, stroke, or tumors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Communicating hydrocephalus:<\/strong> CSF flow is blocked after leaving the ventricles, though it can still move between them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-communicating (obstructive) hydrocephalus:<\/strong> A blockage occurs within the ventricular system, preventing proper CSF circulation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH):<\/strong> Typically affects older adults. Despite its name, pressure can sometimes increase, leading to walking difficulties, memory issues, and bladder control problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_hydrocephalus\"><\/span>What causes hydrocephalus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There is no single answer to the question of what causes hydrocephalus. The reasons vary depending on age and type.<\/p>\n<p>In infants, it may result from genetic abnormalities or developmental issues such as neural tube defects during fetal growth. In children and adults, hydrocephalus often occurs due to head trauma, brain hemorrhage, infections like meningitis, or tumors that block CSF flow.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, especially in elderly patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, the exact cause is not fully understood. In such cases, what is consistently observed is a disruption in the delicate balance between CSF production, circulation, and absorption.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_symptoms_of_hydrocephalus\"><\/span>What are the symptoms of hydrocephalus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Because the brain and skull respond differently at various stages of life, symptoms of hydrocephalus can vary widely depending on age. In infants, one of the most prominent signs is a rapidly enlarging head. In children and adults, symptoms are usually milder but can still significantly affect daily life.<\/p>\n<p>Some common symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>In infants:<\/strong> Bulging soft spot (fontanel), vomiting, irritability, poor feeding, and developmental delays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In children:<\/strong> Headaches, vision problems, balance issues, coordination difficulties, and changes in school performance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In adults:<\/strong> Memory problems, walking difficulties, urinary incontinence, headaches, or drowsiness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>In older adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus:<\/strong> The classic \u201ctriad\u201d of walking difficulty, memory loss, and bladder control problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Since some of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, doctors rely on a combination of clinical signs and imaging results rather than just a single symptom when making a diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_hydrocephalus_diagnosed\"><\/span>How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The diagnostic process usually begins with reviewing the patient\u2019s medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests then follow to evaluate the brain. The most common tests are MRI and CT scans, which can show enlarged ventricles or other abnormalities.<\/p>\n<p>In infants, ultrasound can be performed through the soft spot on the skull, providing a safe and simple way to examine the brain. In adults suspected of having normal pressure hydrocephalus, additional tests such as lumbar puncture or continuous pressure monitoring may be used to assess CSF flow and drainage.<\/p>\n<p>Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical, as early detection often leads to better outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_hydrocephalus_be_treated\"><\/span>Can hydrocephalus be treated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, hydrocephalus can be treated, but the treatment process is not as simple as taking a pill. It requires medical intervention. Thanks to modern treatment methods developed in recent years, managing hydrocephalus has become increasingly successful.<\/p>\n<p>The primary goal of treatment is to improve CSF flow or absorption, thereby reducing pressure on the brain. With timely diagnosis and treatment, many patients with hydrocephalus can enjoy a satisfactory quality of life.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_hydrocephalus_treated\"><\/span>How is hydrocephalus treated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Treatment for hydrocephalus usually involves surgery. The two most common surgical approaches are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Shunt system:<\/strong> A flexible tube is surgically placed into the brain\u2019s ventricles to divert excess fluid to another part of the body (usually the abdominal cavity), where it can be absorbed. Shunt systems have been widely used for decades and are highly effective, though adjustments or replacements may sometimes be needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV):<\/strong> In this procedure, a small opening is made at the bottom of the third ventricle, allowing CSF to bypass the blockage and flow more freely. This method is often used for certain types of obstructive hydrocephalus and may eliminate the need for a shunt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both options carry risks and benefits. The choice depends on the patient\u2019s age, type of hydrocephalus, and overall health. Doctors carefully evaluate these factors to determine the most suitable approach.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_life_expectancy_or_long-term_outlook_for_hydrocephalus\"><\/span>What is the life expectancy or long-term outlook for hydrocephalus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for hydrocephalus has greatly improved. Although it remains a serious condition, many people can live long and near-normal lives after treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Children who receive timely care can often grow and develop normally, though some may need ongoing therapies or educational support. Adults, especially those with normal pressure hydrocephalus, may experience significant improvements in mobility and memory after treatment.<\/p>\n<p>However, hydrocephalus is often a lifelong condition. Shunts require monitoring and may need surgical revisions over time. Regular medical follow-up is essential to ensure treatment continues to work properly. With early diagnosis and proper care, many individuals with hydrocephalus can enjoy a good quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 53 seconds When it comes to conditions affecting the brain, many questions naturally arise. One of the topics among these questions is hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus, which can be seen in many different age groups, is a serious condition that may lead to significant consequences. In this article, we will address the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11707,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11704"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11708,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11704\/revisions\/11708"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}