At the Forefront - UChicago Medicine

Hydrocephalus

Cerebrospinal fluid normally circulates sequentially through the four ventricles of the brain and then passes into the large veins on top of the brain where it is reabsorbed. Hydrocephalus occurs when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles, resulting in excess pressure in the brain. A child can be born with hydrocephalus (congenital) or develop the condition during or after birth (acquired).

The brain constantly makes cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is normally absorbed into the blood and carried out of the brain as new CSF is made. In hydrocephalus, the CSF continues to build up in the brain and can cause brain injury.

The Margaret Hackett Family Program

At UChicago Medicine, our dedicated neurosurgeons are here to help. For more information about hydrocephalus and the resources we have available, please call the Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) at 773-795-0622.

Symptoms of Hydrocephalus

Signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on a patient’s age and other underlying conditions.

Causes of Hydrocephalus

The most common cause of congenital hydrocephalus is a blockage between two ventricles that prevents CSF from moving through the brain.

Many other types of brain development problems can cause hydrocephalus such as: 

  • Brain cysts
  • Genetic disorders
  • Infections during pregnancy
  • Spinal cord abnormalities

Risk factors of developing congenital hydrocephalus include: 

  • Diabetes present during pregnancy 
  • Family history of congenital hydrocephalus 
  • Poor prenatal care during pregnancy

Acquired hydrocephalus is caused by injuries or conditions that develop after birth, such as:

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Brain infections (meningitis)
  • Brain tumors
  • Head injury

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is diagnosed with a physical exam, medical history and brain imaging tests including an MRI or CT scan. Congenital hydrocephalus can be diagnosed before birth using a fetal ultrasound during pregnancy.

Surgery is the only treatment for hydrocephalus. The most common type of surgery is the placement of a flexible tube (shunt) in the brain or spinal cord to drain the fluid into another part of the body. The shunt may need to be adjusted or replaced over time as your child grows.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) in Adults

Late onset hydrocephalus in adults or normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) occurs when patients cannot tolerate brain pressures considered “normal” as they age. NPH is associated with aging or certain medical conditions.

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-773-702-2123 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.