What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus translates into "water on the brain" and describes a condition characterised by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.This leads to pressure build-up under the skull, causing the head to swell and possibly brain damage.
What Causes Hydrocephalus?
- The condition occurs when the normal flow of the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and the spinal cord is blocked and the continuously produced liquid has no way to leave the skull
- In most cases, hydrocephalus is not hereditary
What Cures Hydrocephalus?
- Shunts, or bypass tubes, are the primary method to treat hydrocephalus: With this lifelong treatment, the cerebrospinal fluid is shunted to another area of the body and generally allows patients to lead active lives
- Another method is a newer neurosurgical procedure that decompresses the brain without a permanent shunt
