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  2. Also known as: water on the brain
    A condition characterized by excess fluid build-up in fluid-containing cavities of the brain, which results in developmental, physical, and intellectual impairments.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended by healthcare providers
    How common is condition?
    Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Often requires lab test or imaging
    Condition Highlight
    Common for ages 60 and older
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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • The causes include:
    • Build-up of CSF in the brain can be due to damage to brain or blockage of the pathway for flow of CSF. This could be due to
    • Injury to head or brain
    • Brain infection such as meningitis
    • Medical conditions affecting the brain such as hemorrhage, tumor, stroke
    • Surgeries to the brain

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms.

    Commonly noted symptoms of hydrocephalus in adults include:

    • Chronic headache
    • Nausea
    • Difficulty in focusing the eyes
    • Difficulty walking or changes in gait
    • Weakness in legs
    • Drowsiness
    • Changes in personality and behavior, for example, irritability
    • Seizures

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    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Diagnosis involves physical examination followed by tests.

    Common tests & procedures

    Patient history: A detailed medical history and physical examination is done.

    Physical examination: Thorough physical examination, including examining the gait.

    CT scan: To check for abnormalities in the brain.

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI of the brain to check for abnormalities in the brain.

    Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): A small amount of CSF is drawn from the lower back to check for infections and measure the CSF pressure.

    Isotopic cisternography: A radioactive isotope is injected into the lower back during spinal tap to monitor the absorption of CSF over a period of time.

    Intracranial pressure monitoring: A catheter or a small cable is inserted into the brain to monitor the pressure pattern.

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  1. Hydrocephalus
    • According to 3 sources
    Hydrocephalus -- which roughly means “water on the brain” -- is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. This fluid doesn’t flow or get absorbed the way it should. That can lead to backups and blockages that put pressure on your brain.
    Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain. [1] This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, urinary incontinence, personality changes, or mental impairment.
    Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain. Hydrocephalus can be congenital, or present at birth.
  2. Hydrocephalus: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

  3. Hydrocephalus - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  4. Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

    Feb 22, 2022 · Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes brain swelling. The name means “water on the brain.” Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) usually moves within the...

  5. Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment

  6. Adult-onset Hydrocephalus - AANS

  7. What is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain?

    Dec 7, 2017 · Hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, is a condition where a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain causes increased pressure in the skull. It can be present at birth or develop later in...

  8. Hydrocephalus - Wikipedia

    Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs within the brain. [1] . This typically causes increased pressure inside the skull. Older people may have headaches, double vision, poor balance, …

  9. Hydrocephalus | Water on the Brain - MedlinePlus

    Sep 27, 2017 · Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Normally, this fluid cushions your brain. When you have too much, though, it puts harmful pressure on your brain.

  10. Hydrocephalus - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

  11. Hydrocephalus - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and …