Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid causing ventricular enlargement and raised intracranial pressure. It may be obstructive (aqueduct stenosis/mass) or communicating (impaired absorption post-hemorrhage/infection), or normal-pressure hydrocephalus (gait disturbance/dementia/incontinence in elderly). Clinical: headache/vomiting/papilledema (raised pressure) or gait apraxia/dementia (NPH). Treatment: treat the cause; CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy).

Common Symptoms

Headache/vomiting/papilledema; gait disturbance/dementia/incontinence (NPH); enlarged head in infants

Causes and Pathogenesis

Obstructed CSF flow or impaired absorption causes ventricular enlargement and raised pressure.

Treatment

Treat cause; VP shunt or ETV; manage ICP; NPH trial of LP/shunt

Preventive Measures

Treat hemorrhage/infection; shunt surveillance.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.