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Hydrocephalus can arise before birth or any time afterward. It may be due to many causes including a birth defect, hemorrhage into the brain, infection, meningitis, tumor, or head injury . Most forms of hydrocephalus are the result of obstructed CSF flow in the ventricular system. With birth defects , physical obstruction of CSF flow in the ventricular system is usually the cause of the hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a common companion of spina bifida (meningomyelocele). Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can also occur due to a gradual blockage of the CSF drainage pathways in the brain. Although the ventricles enlarge, the pressure of the CSF remains within normal range. NPH is characterized by memory loss ( dementia ), gait disorder, urinary incontinence and a general slowing of activity. In old age or persons with Alzheimer's disease , the entire brain may shrink and the CSF fills up the space created by the shrinkage. This is not due to hydrocephalus. The diagnostic signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus depend upon the age of the person. But when we get to comparing notes we find that there are may be 2 general types of hydrocephalus but when we each start telling our story they can all be very different. This is part of what makes this condition so difficult. Not a single one of us is the same. A lot of the times we even look like we don’t even have a condition all. |
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Congenital hydrocephalus is the buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at birth. Acquired hydrocephalus caused by injuries or conditions that develop after birth such as homage, meningitis, head injury, tumors and cysts.