Bleeding within the ventricles, a possible complication of premature birth.Abnormal development of the central nervous system that can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.Hydrocephalus present at birth (congenital) or shortly after birth can occur because of any of the following: However, a number of developmental or medical problems can contribute to or trigger hydrocephalus. In many cases, the cause of hydrocephalus is unknown. Rarely, cerebrospinal fluid is created more quickly than it can be absorbed. This is often related to inflammation of brain tissues from disease or injury.

Less common is a problem with absorbing cerebrospinal fluid. The most common problem is a partial blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, either from one ventricle to another or from the ventricles to other spaces around the brain. Too much cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles occurs for one of the following reasons: Flowing back and forth between the brain cavity and spinal column to maintain a constant pressure within the brain - compensating for changes in blood pressure in the brain.Removing waste products of the brain's metabolism.Keeping the brain buoyant, allowing the relatively heavy brain to float within the skull.It's absorbed primarily by blood vessels in tissues on the surface of the brain.Ĭerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in brain function by: The fluid eventually flows into spaces around the brain and spinal column. It flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels. Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream.Ĭerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. Your brain floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. More than one condition can cause the problems associated with hydrocephalus, so it's important to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Seek prompt medical attention for other signs or symptoms in any age group. Seek emergency medical care for infants and toddlers with these signs and symptoms:

Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck.

Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills.

Decline in memory, concentration and other thinking skills that may affect job performanceĪmong adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are:.

Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate.

Delays or problems with previously acquired skills, such as walking or talkingĬommon signs and symptoms in this age group include:.

Loss of bladder control or frequent urination.

Abnormal enlargement of a toddler's head.

Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)Īmong toddlers and older children, signs and symptoms might include: Physical signs and symptoms.

A bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head.

A rapid increase in the size of the head.

InfantsĬommon signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include: Changes in the head The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary somewhat by age of onset.

Cerebrospinal fluid leak