Hydrocephalus is a condition of the brain. It is caused by a build up of fluid in the brain, which leads to increased pressure and can cause damage.

Causes of hydrocephalus

Essentially, hydrocephalus occurs when the fluid in the brain is unable to drain away into the blood. There can be many reasons why this happens, including:

• Spina bifida – Structural differences in the brains of people with spina bifida make it hard for the fluid to drain away.
• Brain injury – Damage to the brain from head trauma or a brain tumour can change the structure of the brain, blocking the drainage of fluid.
• Premature birth – Blood vessels in the brain are even more delicate when babies are born prematurely. Any blood clots or haemorrhages can cause damage which results in hydrocephalus.
• Meningitis – An infection of the brain can cause scarring, which prevents fluid from draining correctly.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that normally develops in people over the age of 60. Fluid build up in the brain increases the size of the ventricles. This can cause damage to other parts of the brain, resulting in the symptoms of hydrocephalus. However, the pressure of the brain remains normal (hence the name). Sometimes, NPH is caused by a previous brain injury, infection or tumour, but often the exact cause is unknown.

Treatments

In most cases, hydrocephalus is treated by surgery. The two main forms of treatment are shunts and ETV. Both are usually succesful in preventing the condition from getting worse. However, patients have to be watchful because there is a risk of damage or failure, which can be life-threatening.

Shunt

A shunt is a thin tube which is inserted into the brain during an operation. Excess fluid can drain away through the shunt to other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or heart.

ETV

An ETV is a procedure where doctors create a hole in a specific part of the brain. This makes an alternative pathway for fluid to leave the brain. ETVs are less common than shunts, because they only work for certain types of hydrocephalus.

Treatment complications

People with shunts and ETVs must always be alert to the risk that their treatment fails. This would result in a sudden build-up of pressure in the brain, which can be fatal. The symptoms of a malfunction include:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Visual disturbances
• Severe headaches

Anyone with hydrocephalus who experiences these symptoms should contact their hospital neurosurgery department immediately. All loved ones, school staff, work colleagues etc. should be aware of these symptoms and the protocol to follow.

Life with hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus usually results in some damage to the brain, but this can vary greatly in the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage. Therefore, the effects also differ from person to person.

Generally, people with hydrocephalus can experience:

• Short-term memory issues
• Vision problems
• Difficulty with concentration, coordination and organisation
• Headaches

Here is a short video created by Shine, explaining what it’s like to live with hydrocephalus:

However, the SHASBAH community is proof of the fact that people with hydrocephalus can lead a happy, active and fulfilling life. Each person’s experience is unique. Hydrocephalus is not a barrier to achieving anything you want to achieve. There can be challenges that come with surgeries, hospital stays, healthcare, social care and benefits. SHASBAH exists to support people when they face these challenges and to provide a lively community of people with similar life experiences.

Further information

Shine charity
Hydrocephalus Association
NHS.UK