Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by cerebrospinal fluid build-up in the brain. Too much fluid creates pressure that can damage the brain.

Dr Ganesh Shiva Neurosurgeon in consulting attire as his consulting rooms in Liverpool NSW discussing treatment options for Hydrocephalus

The most common symptoms of hydrocephalus are headache, nausea, vomiting and fits.

Hydrocephalus can also cause:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Problems concentrating
  • Loss of coordination
  • Confusion
  • Incontinence
  • Seizures
  • Pressure on the optic nerve in the eye

The condition is referred to as congenital hydrocephalus if a child is born with hydrocephalus caused by a problem in the cerebrospinal fluid when the baby’s brain is developing.

People can also get hydrocephalus as a result of the following:

  • Head injury
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Brain tumour
  • Meningitis (an infection around the brain)
  • Spina bifida (a congenital disability that affects the spine)

If someone has symptoms of hydrocephalus, the following tests can check for extra fluid in the brain:

  • Ultrasound
  • CT or MRI
  • Lumbar puncture

While hydrocephalus often can’t be cured, it can be managed. Treatment aims to reduce pressure on the brain. The usual approach is surgery to insert a fine tube called a shunt that helps drain the fluid.

Recovery from a shunt placement takes about one to two days in the hospital. It is not uncommon to return to work within a few weeks.

Postoperative care

  • Keep the wound dry for five days. You can get wet in the shower, but pat the area dry rather than rub.
  • Do not use shampoo for ten days postoperatively
  • GP review for wound review and removal of staples on day seven.
  • No driving for at least three months until review with Dr Shiva
  • Monitor for any wound redness, discharge or fevers
  • Monitor for new symptoms, including worsening headaches, upper or lower limb symptoms, speech or visual symptoms, seizures
  • Six-week review with Dr Shiva

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Please complete the information below, and we will contact you to confirm your appointment.

  • Please complete the information below, and we will contact you to confirm a date and time for your appointment.

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