Hydrocephalus is a condition where there’s an abnormal build-up of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities and ventricles. The cause can be due to obstruction which prevents proper drainage for this collecting liquid, leading to it instead; however, we don’t always know why certain people develop these issues as they often do without warning signs first before any symptoms appear such as headaches or vomiting, etc…
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition that can cause the brain to be pressed against its container, which in some cases leads to fatal convulsions and damage. Other symptoms include headaches; blurred vision due to either interior eye problems or visual hallucinations (from a tilt); cognitive difficulties such as confusion about where one has been when there were many places visited during that time period otherwise known as “navigating”.
The word “water in the brain” is not correct, since the brain is encircled by CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), not water. CSF has three vital functions:
• protects the nervous system
• get rid of waste
• nourishes the brain
The cerebrum produces around 1 16 ounces of CSF every day, and old CSF is consumed in the blood vessels. In the process that the most common way of delivering and eliminating CSF is upset, CSF can aggregate, causing hydrocephalus.
There are a number of types of hydrocephalus:
- Congenital hydrocephalus
- Acquired hydrocephalus
- Communicating hydrocephalus
- Non-communicating hydrocephalus
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
- Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo
Symptoms
Symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus (present at birth):
- breathing difficulties
- arm and leg muscles may be firm and prone to contractions
- some developmental stages may be delayed, such as sitting up or crawling
- irritability, drowsiness, or both
- disinclination to bend or move the neck or head
- poor feeding
- the head seems larger than it must be
- pupils of the eyes may be close to the bottom of the eyelid, sometimes known as “the setting sun”
- there may be a high-pitched cry
- possible seizures
- possible vomiting
Symptoms of development of hydrocephalus, which develops after birth, are:
- rarely, bowel incontinence
- confusion, disorientation, or both
- drowsiness and lethargy
- headaches
- irritability, which may get worse
- lack of appetite
- nausea
- personality changes
- issues with eyesight
- seizures or fits
- urinary incontinence
- vomiting
- walking difficulties, especially in adults