What is Hydrocephalus?

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of excess fluid on the brain. Hydrocephalus can be caused by a defect which doesn't allow the cerebrospinal fluid (fluid which surrounds the brain and spinal cord) to move freely. Hydrocephalus can be congenital, meaning it was present at birth, this could be due to the baby getting an infection in the womb which could affect fetal development. Acquired hydrocephalus develops at the time of birth or after, this can be caused by injury or disease such as meningitis.

Hydrocephalus can be communicating or obstructive. Communicating hydrocephalus is when the cerebrospinal fluid is blocked after leaving the ventricles. Ventricles are a hollow part of the brain which drain the cerebrospinal fluid to the base of the brain, if this is blocked there is an accumulation of fluid. Obstructive Hydrocephalus occurs when the passages between the ventricles become blocked, therefore causing an accumulation of fluid in the ventricles. Both of these cause an increase in intracranial pressure and also cause damage to different structures within the brain.

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