What Is Water on the Brain?

Hydrocephalus is classified as water on the brain. The fluid is not water, but cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is a created in the four brain cavities. The fluid can flow outside of the brain and into the spinal cavity.

Signs and Symptoms

• Infants and small children may show irritability, sleepiness and vomiting. Older children and adults may have blurred vision, nausea and gait changes when walking.

Diagnosis

• A clinical neurological examination can be performed with diagnostic imaging. Physicians look for visual signs and order diagnostic imaging, including a computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis.

Types

• Congenital hydrocephalus is diagnosed at birth and can occur during fetal development. Acquired hydrocephalus may result from disease or injury. Acquired hydrocephalus may occur at birth or after birth.

Treatments

• The primary treatment is a shunt, a long tube to help remove cerebrospinal fluid. A secondary treatment is an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which relieves cerebrospinal fluid pressure and allows fluid to reabsorb.

Warning

• Hydrocephalus requires close monitoring in case the shunt becomes blocked or malfunctions. Untreated, hydocephalus can cause death, while treated, hydocephalus patients may experience physical and neurological challenges.