Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, causing increased intracranial pressure.Encyclopedia Entry for Hydrocephalus :Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is due to a problem with the flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain. This fluid is called the cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. The fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord and helps cushion the brain. CSF normally moves through the brain and the spinal cord and is soaked into the bloodstream. CSF levels in the brain can rise if: The flow of CSF is blocked. The fluid does not get properly absorbed into the blood. The brain makes too much of the fluid. Too much CSF puts pressure on the brain. This pushes the brain up against the skull and damages brain tissue. Hydrocephalus may begin while the baby is growing in the womb. It is common in babies who have a myelomeningocele , a birth defect in which the spinal column does not close properly. Hydrocephalus may also be due to: Genetic defects Certain infections during pregnancy In young children, hydrocephalus may be due to: Infections that affect the central nervous system (such as meningitis or encephalitis), especially in infants Bleeding in the brain during or soon after delivery (especially in premature babies) Injury before, during, or after childbirth, including subarachnoid hemorrhage Tumors of the central nervous system, including the brain or spinal cord Injury or trauma Hydrocephalus most often occurs in children. Another type, called normal pressure hydrocephalus , may occur in adults and older people.Symptoms of hydrocephalus depend on: Age Amount of brain damage What is causing the buildup of CSF fluid In infants, hydrocephalus causes the fontanelle (soft spot) to bulge and the head to be larger than expected. Early symptoms may also include: Eyes that appear to gaze downward Irritability Seizures Separated sutures Sleepiness Vomiting Symptoms that may occur in older children can include: Brief, shrill, high-pitched cry Changes in personality, memory, or the ability to reason or think Changes in facial appearance and eye spacing Crossed eyes or uncontrolled eye movements Difficulty feeding Excessive sleepiness Headache Irritability, poor temper control Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) Loss of coordination and trouble walking Muscle spasticity (spasm) Slow growth (child 0 to 5 years) Slow or restricted movement Vomiting.The health care provider will examine the baby. This may show: Stretched or swollen veins on the baby's scalp Abnormal sounds when the provider taps lightly on the skull, suggesting a problem with the skull bones All or part of the head may be larger than normal, often the front part Eyes that look 'sunken in' White part of the eye appears over the colored area, making it look like a 'setting sun' Reflexes may be normal Repeated head circumference measurements over time may show that the head is getting bigger. A head CT scan is one of the best tests for identifying hydrocephalus. Other tests that may be done include: Arteriography Brain scan using radioisotopes Cranial ultrasound (an ultrasound of the brain) Lumbar puncture and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (rarely done) Skull x-rays.The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent brain damage by improving the flow of CSF. Surgery may be done to remove a blockage, if possible. If not, a flexible tube called a shunt may be placed in the brain to reroute the flow of CSF. The shunt sends CSF to another part of the body, such as the belly area, where it can be absorbed. Other treatments may include: Antibiotics if there are signs of infection. Severe infections may require the shunt to be removed. A procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which relieves pressure without replacing the shunt. Removing or burning away ( cauterizing ) the parts of the brain that produce CSF. The child will need regular check-ups to make sure there are no further problems. Tests will be done regularly to check the child's development, and to look for intellectual, neurological, or physical problems. Visiting nurses, social services, support groups, and local agencies can provide emotional support and help with the care of a child with hydrocephalus who has serious brain damage.Without treatment, up to 6 in 10 people with hydrocephalus will die. Those who survive will have different amounts of intellectual, physical, and neurological disabilities. The outlook depends on the cause. Hydrocephalus that is not due to an infection has the best outlook. People with hydrocephalus caused by tumors will often do very poorly. Most children with hydrocephalus who survive for 1 year will have a fairly normal lifespan.The shunt may become blocked. Symptoms of such a blockage include headache and vomiting. Surgeons may be able to help the shunt open without having to replace it. There may be other problems with the shunt, such as kinking, tube separation, or infection in the area of the shunt. Other complications may include: Complications of surgery Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis Intellectual impairment Nerve damage (decrease in movement, sensation, function) Physical disabilities.Seek medical care right away if your child has any symptoms of this disorder. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if emergency symptoms occur, such as: Breathing problems Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness Feeding difficulties Fever High-pitched cry No pulse (heartbeat) Seizures Severe headache Stiff neck Vomiting You should also call your provider if: The child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus and the condition gets worse. You are unable to care for the child at home.Protect the head of an infant or child from injury. Prompt treatment of infections and other disorders associated with hydrocephalus may reduce the risk of developing the disorder.Water on the brain.Ventriculoperitoneal shunt - discharge.Skull of a newborn Skull of a newborn.Kinsman SL, Johnston MV. Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system.