What Causes Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes the brain to swell. The name means “water on the brain.”. Brain damage can occur as a result of the fluid buildup. This can lead to developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments. Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes the brain to swell. The name means “water on the brain.”. Brain damage can occur as a result of the fluid buildup. Causes. Hydrocephalus is due to a problem with the flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain. This fluid is called the cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. The fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and helps cushion the brain. CSF normally moves through the brain and the spinal cord, and is soaked into the bloodstream. When hydrocephalus occurs in adults, CSF levels rise but the amount of pressure is usually normal. It still causes the brain to swell and can lead to impaired functioning. In adults, this condition usually results from conditions that prevent CSF from flowing. However, in some cases, there is no known cause. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. Causes of Hydrocephalus. Obstruction causes CSF to build up in the brain. If the cause is congenital, symptoms such as an enlarged head may be present at birth. Acquired hydrocephalus can develop at any age as a result of head trauma or illness. Obstructive (non-communicating) hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage in the system of cavities (ventricles) in the brain. The blockage prevents the cerebrospinal fluid from flowing (or communicating) with the area that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (subarachnoid space), as it normally should. The causes of hydrocephalus are poorly understood. It's thought that congenital hydrocephalus may be the result of a brain defect restricting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Acquired hydrocephalus is often caused by an illness or injury that affects the brain. Hydrocephalus, also called Water on the Brain is a condition in which there is an abnormal build up of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain. Hydrocephalus, also called Water on the Brain is a condition in which there is an abnormal build up of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in the cavities (ventricles) of the brain. The buildup is often caused by an obstruction which prevents proper fluid drainage.
Brain to swell. The name means “water on the brain.