# What is hydrocephalus and what are its symptoms? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-hydrocephalus Language: en Category: neurology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.160Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.160Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is a critical medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the deep cavities of the brain, known as ventricles. Under normal conditions, this fluid protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord, flowing through the ventricles and bathing the brain before being absorbed into the bloodstream. In cases of hydrocephalus, excessive accumulation of this fluid causes the ventricles to expand, exerting harmful, direct physical pressure on sensitive brain tissue. This can impair normal brain function and lead to permanent damage if medical intervention does not occur in a timely manner [\[1\]](). ## Clinical Symptoms and Indicators The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary significantly depending on age. In infants, signs manifest as a rapid and abnormal increase in head circumference, bulging of the fontanelle (the soft spot at the top of the head), vomiting, feeding difficulties, irritability, constant drowsiness, and seizures. Conversely, older children and adults may experience symptoms including chronic headaches, double or blurred vision, nausea, balance difficulties, walking problems, and loss of bladder control. A decline in functional or academic performance, impaired motor coordination, and changes in personality or memory may also be observed [\[1\]]() [\[4\]](). ## Why Does Hydrocephalus Occur? This condition can appear at any age and may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later. Anatomically, hydrocephalus occurs when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is obstructed, or when there is a defect in the body's ability to absorb it. Common causes include genetic abnormalities, chronic infections (such as meningitis), brain tumors, strokes, or intracranial hemorrhages that block the normal fluid cycle [\[1\]](). In other cases known as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), which is more common among the elderly, symptoms may appear slowly and include gait disturbances and bladder control issues; this condition requires careful assessment to distinguish it from other diseases [\[4\]](). ## Diagnosis and Emergency Management Accurate diagnosis relies on an evaluation of symptoms and a neurological examination, followed by brain imaging such as a CT scan or MRI to assess ventricular size. The most common treatment is surgery to implant a shunt that drains excess fluid away from the brain, or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedure to improve fluid flow [\[1\]]() [\[4\]](). For more information on this treatment pathway, you can refer to [Hydrocephalus: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Living with the Condition (Arabic)](). You must go to the emergency room immediately if signs indicating a malfunction of the surgical shunt appear (such as severe vomiting, excessive drowsiness, acute headache, seizures, redness or swelling along the subcutaneous shunt tract, or low-grade fever), as any delay in treating these complications can lead to serious consequences or be life-threatening [\[1\]]() [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [Hydrocephalus]() - [Brain surgery]() - [Hydrocephalus - NHS]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-hydrocephalus#answer