Hydrocephalus occurs when there is excess spinal fluid in the brain. This can be due to the brain making too much spinal fluid or if the drainage of the spinal fluid from the brain is not working properly. There are different types of hydrocephalus including obstructive hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of hydrocephalus can differ depending on what type of hydrocephalus it is. Some of the more common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance.
DIAGNOSIS
Hydrocephalus is usually diagnosed after your neurosurgeon does a history and physical examination. If necessary your neurosurgeon might then order a CT scan or MRI scan of your brain. Sometimes having an old CT scan or MRI of your brain can help your neurosurgeon compare and see if the spinal fluid in your brain has increased or decreased.
TREATMENT
Some people with hydrocephalus might require surgery. There are different types of surgeries performed for hydrocephalus. One such surgery is a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. In this procedure, your neurosurgeon places a small drainage tube in your brain to drain the excess spinal fluid away from your brain to another part of your body where it can be absorbed.
