Possible symptoms of hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition and seek medical attention. It’s most common in children but can develop in people of any age.

Infants

Early signs of hydrocephalus in infants include:

• bulging fontanel, which is the soft spot on the surface of the skull

• a rapid increase in head circumference

• eyes that are fixed downward

• seizures

• extreme fussiness

• vomiting

• excessive sleepiness

• poor feeding

• low muscle tone and strength

Toddlers and older children

Symptoms or signs that affect toddlers and older children include:

• short, high-pitched cries

• personality changes

• changes in facial structure

• crossed eyes

• headaches

• muscle spasms

• delayed growth

• trouble eating

• extreme sleepiness

• irritability

• loss of coordination

• loss of bladder control

• larger-than-average head

• trouble staying awake or waking up

• vomiting or nausea

• seizures

• problems concentrating

Young and middle-aged adults

Symptoms in young and middle-aged adults include:

• chronic headaches

• loss of coordination

• difficulty walking

• bladder problems

• vision problems

• poor memory

• difficulty concentrating

Causes

To understand how hydrocephalus develops, it’s important to understand the function of CSF in the brain, how too much can cause adverse effects right across the body, and what can cause hydrocephalus.

The causes of hydrocephalus are poorly known. While some types of hydrocephalus appear at birth, others only manifest as children or adults. Brain tumours, head injuries, haemorrhages, or illnesses like meningitis can all cause hydrocephalus. It can also be inherited genetically, be linked to developmental problems like spina bifida or encephalocele, or result from any of the above. Hydrocephalus can be categorised based on its onset, the existence of structural flaws, or high vs. normal CSF pressures.

1. Acquired Hydrocephalus: This is the type of hydrocephalus that develops at birth or in adulthood and is typically caused by injury or disease.

2. Congenital Hydrocephalus: It is present at birth and may be caused by events that occur during fetal development or as a result of genetic abnormalities.

3. Communicating Hydrocephalus: When there is no restriction to the flow of CSF inside the ventricular system, this type of hydrocephalus takes place. Either insufficient absorption or an unusual spike in the amount of CSF generated leads to the disorder.

4. Non-communication (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus: It happens when one or more of the ventricle-connecting channels are blocked from CSF flow, expanding the routes upstream of the obstruction and raising the pressure inside the skull.

5. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Although it can happen to anybody, communicative hydrocephalus is most prevalent among the elderly. It is distinguished by dilated ventricles within the spinal column that have normal pressure.

Hydrocephalus Ex-vacuo: It primarily affects adults and occurs when a degenerative disease, like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke or trauma, causes damage to the brain that may cause the brain tissue to shrink.

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