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Hydrocephalus

A young child with hydrocephalus. ©CBM
A young child with hydrocephalus after having
had a 'shunt' fitted. Photo: CBM

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an abnormal build-up of brain fluid in the skull.

Sometimes known as 'water on the brain', the condition occurs when the brain's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up.

This fluid usually helps to cushion the brain, as well as provide nutrients and remove waste, but when it builds up it can cause serious problems.

If left untreated, it can cause intense pain and ultimately leads to death.

Children born with this condition often appear to have enlarged craniums.

What causes Hydrocephalus?

There is no known cause of the condition.

It is not hereditary but it is commonly present at birth and is therefore a 'congenital' condition. It can also occur later in life after injury or trauma to the brain.

Curing Hydrocephalus

There is no known cure for hydrocephalus.

People with the condition may lead full and active lives, but require treatment as early as possible. The most common form of treatment uses 'shunts' which are small tubes with valves that are placed beneath the surface of the skin to help drain (or 'shunt') the excess CSF fluid into another part of the body.

Hydrocephalus can lead to other conditions including:

It is therefore crucial that the condition is detected early to enable treatment to begin. If children are not seen early enough, there is little that can be done, and these children will die.

CBM and Hydrocephalus

CBM supports projects throughout the developing world that detect and provide hydrocephalus treatment and rehabilitation.

Community Health Workers are important for our work. They locate and refer children with the condition and are active in their rehabilitation.

You can support our work and provide treatment for people with hydrocephalus today.

Further Reading