Hydrocephalus - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Hydrocephalus is an excessive accumulation of liquor (also called cerebrospinal fluid) in some cavities of the brain, known as cerebral ventricles; this accumulation leads to an abnormal dilation of these cavities and an increase in pressure inside the skull.

Hydrocephalus is the result of an imbalance in the distribution of the cerebrospinal fluid, which may derive from an impediment to its physiological circulation (obstructive or non-communicating hydrocephalus) or from inadequate liquor reabsorption (non-obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus).

Hydrocephalus can occur due to congenital anomalies (present from birth), such as spina bifida, Dandy-Walker syndrome or Chiari malformation. Furthermore, it can be found in cases of head trauma, inflammation, intraventricular hemorrhage or infections contracted in the uterus (eg toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infections) or in the perinatal period (eg bacterial meningitis).

The neurological manifestations associated with hydrocephalus depend on the possible increase in intracranial pressure. Symptoms include headaches, lethargy, reduced vision, vomiting, increased volume of the skull, seizures and brain atrophy.