Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid builds up in your brain. The word "hydrocephalus" comes from the roots "hydro" meaning "water" and "cephalus" meaning "head." The fluid that accumulates is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a fluid that normally surrounds your brain and spinal cord.
In hydrocephalus too much fluid builds up, causing abnormal enlargement of the cavities in the brain (ventricles) that contain CSF. Too much CSF in the ventricles can put increased pressure on the brain, potentially damaging the brain.
Hydrocephalus can be present at birth or you can develop it later. The outlook for people with hydrocephalus varies depending on how soon the condition is diagnosed, whether any other disorders are present and whether treatment is successful. With no treatment, hydrocephalus is nearly always fatal.
Moved by Veterans Moderator
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dave_M,
