Cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain and enlarges the ventricles where it is stored.
Obstructive hydrocephalus blocks the normal flow of fluid; communicating hydrocephalus occurs when the brain cannot reabsorb fluid as quickly as it is produced.
Memory problems, difficulty walking, and urinary incontinence in adults over 60.
A shunt that drains fluid into the abdominal cavity, or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy for some cases of obstructive hydrocephalus.
What hydrocephalus is
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in your brain, leading to enlargement of the ventricles where CSF is stored. This can occur because there is an obstruction blocking the normal flow of CSF, called obstructive hydrocephalus, or because the brain cannot reabsorb CSF as quickly as it is being produced, called communicating hydrocephalus.
Symptoms may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, double vision, lethargy, and seizures. Hydrocephalus often presents at a young age and may be associated with some birth defects.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a special form of hydrocephalus that usually occurs in adults over the age of 60. This is a type of communicating hydrocephalus.
This condition has a classic triad of presenting symptoms: memory problems, difficulty walking, and urinary incontinence. Identification and treatment of NPH is important because it is a treatable condition and one of the few reversible types of dementia.
How we evaluate it
To determine if you have hydrocephalus or NPH, our team performs a comprehensive neurological evaluation and obtains appropriate imaging studies.
In some cases, a lumbar puncture or placement of a lumbar drain with formal physical therapy gait assessment will help confirm the diagnosis and assess whether you will be a good candidate for surgical treatment. Because other conditions can sometimes mimic hydrocephalus, it is important for us to conduct a comprehensive work-up to rule out other conditions.
Treatment options
Hydrocephalus and NPH can be treated with surgery to place a shunt that drains CSF from your brain into your abdominal cavity, where it can be reabsorbed by the body.
In some cases of obstructive hydrocephalus, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy can be performed to create an opening that allows CSF to bypass the obstruction.
Sometimes people who have had a shunt for years might develop a blockage or infection of the shunt that requires treatment. Our surgeons are always available to help evaluate and treat you for this condition.
Why evaluation is worth it
The symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus can improve with treatment. If you or your loved one has NPH or symptoms of NPH, we might be able to help. Call 404-446-4424 to schedule an evaluation.
This guide is general education and does not replace a personal evaluation. Symptoms, imaging, treatment options, and recovery vary by person.