CONDITIONS TREATED

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles (cavities) of the brain.

CSF is produced in the brain, and is needed by the body to protect the brain and spinal cord, and to carry away waste from brain cells. It flows continuously through the ventricles of the brain and over the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

Any excess CSF usually drains away from the brain and is absorbed by the body. For people with hydrocephalus, this doesn't happen, and the fluid builds up in the ventricles.

Too much cerebrospinal fluid puts a harmful amount of pressure on tissues in the brain. Treatment is needed to release this pressure. Hydrocephalus can be congenital (present at birth), or can develop later in childhood or adulthood. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of hydrocephalus that usually develops in people over 60. This is caused by the drainage of the CSF gradually becoming blocked.