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Hydrocephalus
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which creates harmful pressure.

Overview

Normally, cerebrospinal fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, however, it puts harmful pressure on the brain. If left untreated, hydrocephalus is usually fatal and can cause permanent damage to the brain, leading to issues with physical and mental development.

Types and Causes

Hydrocephalus is categorized based on when it occurs:

  • Congenital hydrocephalus: Present at birth, this is often caused by genetic problems or issues with fetal development. The primary sign is an unusually large head.
  • Acquired hydrocephalus: This can occur at any age after birth. Causes include head injuries, strokes, infections, tumors, and bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acquired hydrocephalus include:

  • Headache
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Blurry vision
  • Balance problems
  • Bladder control problems
  • Thinking and memory problems

Treatment and Management

While the condition can be serious, many people lead normal lives with few limitations following treatment. Management strategies include:

  • Surgery: The most common treatment involves inserting a shunt, a flexible but sturdy plastic tube that moves cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed.
  • Supportive care: Medicine and rehabilitation therapy can also assist in treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is usually restricted for the first six to eight weeks to allow the incision to heal properly. You should avoid high-impact activities or contact sports without explicit clearance from your neurosurgeon, as head trauma can increase the risk of shunt malfunction or injury.
Standard airport metal detectors and security scanners are generally safe for patients with shunts, but you should inform security personnel that you have a medical device. For MRIs, you must inform the radiology team that you have a shunt, as some older models are not MRI-compatible. Modern shunts are often MRI-conditional, but the specific model and settings must be verified by your medical team before the scan is performed.
If treated early, many individuals with hydrocephalus achieve normal cognitive development and lead full lives. However, some may experience subtle challenges with processing speed, attention, or executive function. Supporting brain health involves regular follow-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and engaging in cognitive rehabilitation or educational support if specific learning difficulties are identified.
Routine shunt checks are typically performed every six to twelve months, though your neurosurgeon may schedule them more frequently in the first year after surgery. Signs of a blocked shunt include a return of original symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, or changes in mental status. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, or tenderness along the shunt tract, and require immediate medical attention.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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