Hydrocephalus – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hydrocephalus occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain’s ventricles. This buildup increases ventricle size and creates pressure on brain tissues. The condition affects people of all ages but appears more frequently in infants and adults over 60.
Normally, cerebrospinal fluid circulates through ventricles, providing protection to the brain and spinal column. When this fluid accumulates abnormally, it can harm brain tissue and cause various symptoms that affect brain function.
Surgical intervention offers an effective treatment option by restoring and maintaining proper cerebrospinal fluid levels in the brain. For ongoing symptoms related to hydrocephalus, various therapies can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms
In Babies
Babies with hydrocephalus often show noticeable head changes. You might see an unusually large head or rapid head growth. The soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head may bulge or feel tight when touched.
Physical symptoms in infants can include:
- Frequent vomiting
- Excessive sleepiness
- Unusual fussiness
- Poor feeding
- Seizures
- Eyes that appear to look downward
- Weak muscle tone
In Young Children
Children aged 1-5 years and older may experience:
Physical signs:
- Headaches
- Vision problems (blurry or double vision)
- Unusual eye movements
- Continued head enlargement
- Excessive tiredness
- Vomiting
- Balance problems
- Poor coordination
- Reduced appetite
- Bladder control issues
Behavior changes:
- Increased irritability
- Personality shifts
- Worse school performance
- Loss of previously learned skills
In Adults Under 60
Young and middle-aged adults with hydrocephalus typically show:
- Persistent headaches
- Increasing fatigue
- Balance and coordination problems
- Frequent urination or bladder control loss
- Vision difficulties
- Thinking and memory problems that may affect work performance
In Seniors
People over 60 with hydrocephalus commonly experience:
- Bladder control problems
- Memory decline
- Progressive cognitive impairment
- Walking difficulties (often described as a shuffling gait)
- Poor balance and coordination
When Medical Help Is Needed
Get emergency care immediately if a baby or toddler shows:
- High-pitched crying
- Feeding difficulties
- Unexplained repeated vomiting
- Seizure activity
Seek prompt medical attention for any hydrocephalus symptoms in any age group. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, making proper diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
What Causes Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus develops when there is an imbalance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels in the brain. This imbalance happens when the normal flow of CSF is disrupted.
The tissues that line the brain’s ventricles produce CSF. This fluid flows through channels connecting the ventricles and eventually moves into spaces surrounding the brain and spinal column. Blood vessels in tissues on the brain’s surface mainly absorb this fluid.
CSF serves several important functions:
- It allows the brain to float within the skull
- It protects the brain from injury by cushioning it
- It removes waste products from the brain
- It maintains consistent pressure in the brain
There are three main reasons why too much CSF may build up in the ventricles:
Blockage: The most common cause is partial obstruction of CSF flow. This blockage can occur between ventricles or from ventricles to other spaces around the brain.
Absorption Problems: Sometimes the body has difficulty absorbing CSF properly. This issue often relates to brain tissue inflammation caused by injury or disease.
Excess Production: In rare cases, CSF is produced faster than the body can absorb it.
When any of these problems occur, fluid builds up in the ventricles, causing them to enlarge and put pressure on brain tissue. This pressure can lead to the symptoms and complications associated with hydrocephalus.
Risks That May Lead to Fluid Build-up in the Brain
In Babies
Fluid build-up in the brain often appears at birth or shortly after. Several factors may cause this condition in newborns:
- Abnormal development of the central nervous system that blocks fluid flow.
- Bleeding inside brain chambers, which happens more often in premature babies.
- Infections during pregnancy, like German measles or syphilis, can cause brain tissue swelling in the developing baby.
The brain’s drainage system may not form correctly before birth, leading to problems soon after the baby is born.
Other Contributing Factors
People of any age can develop this condition due to:
- Brain or spinal cord tumors that block fluid pathways.
- Infections affecting the nervous system, such as bacterial meningitis.
- Brain bleeding caused by a stroke or head trauma.
- Other serious head injuries that disrupt normal fluid circulation.
Complications
Hydrocephalus typically gets worse if left untreated. Without proper medical attention, this condition can lead to various complications. These include learning disabilities, developmental delays, and physical disabilities.
In severe cases, untreated hydrocephalus can be fatal. However, mild cases that are treated properly may have minimal or no serious complications.
