What Is Water on the Brain?

Hydrocephalus is classified as water on the brain. The fluid is not water, but cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a created in the four brain cavities. The fluid can flow outside of the brain and into the spinal cavity.

Signs and Symptoms

Infants and small children may show irritability, sleepiness and vomiting. Older children and adults may have blurred vision, nausea and gait changes when walking.

Diagnosis

A clinical neurological examination can be performed with diagnostic imaging. Physicians look for visual signs and order diagnostic imaging, including a computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis.

Types

Congenital hydrocephalus is diagnosed at birth and can occur during fetal development. Acquired hydrocephalus may result from disease or injury. Acquired hydrocephalus may occur at birth or after birth.

Treatments

The primary treatment is a shunt, a long tube to help remove cerebrospinal fluid. A secondary treatment is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which relieves cerebrospinal fluid pressure and allows fluid to reabsorb.

Warning

Hydrocephalus requires close monitoring in case the shunt becomes blocked or malfunctions. Untreated, hydocephalus can cause death, while treated, hydocephalus patients may experience physical and neurological challenges.

References

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Hydrocephalus
• Medicinenet Hydrocephalus

Resources

• John Hopkins Children's Center Hydrocephalus