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 Hydrocephalus is the buildup in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts extra pressure on the brain 2

 Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream.  Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain and flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels and eventually flow into the space around the brain and spinal column.  Cerebrospinal Fluid is Important because: › Allows the relatively heavy brain to float within the skull › Cushioning the brain to prevent injury › Removing waste products of the brain's metabolism › Flowing back and forth between the brain cavity and spinal column to maintain a constant pressure within the brain 3

CONGENITAL  Newborns it can be present at birth (congenital) or shortly after birth may occur 1. Abnormal development of the central nervous system can obstruct the flow of cerebral spinal fluid 2. Bleeding within the ventricles (a complication possible with a premature birth) 3. Infection in the uterus during pregnancy, like rubella or syphilis, that can cause inflammation in fetal brain tissues ACQUIERED  Hydrocephalus can also be acquired after birth and later in life 1. Lesions or tumors of the brain or spinal cord 2. Central nervous system infection, like bacterial meningitis or mumps 3. Bleeding in the brain from a stroke or head injury 4

 In an informal study a population was surveyed as to their cause of Hydrocephalus 5

Shunt System The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is a flexible tube and valve system, a shunt drains cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) An endoscope is used to puncture a membrane in the floor of the third ventricle creating a pathway for CSF flow within the cavities in the brain. ETV is an important alternative to shunting for obstructive hydrocephalus and may be useful in other cases as well. 6

 The most common treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical insertion of a drainage system, called a shunt. It consists of a long, flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the brain flowing in the right direction and at the proper rate. One end of the tubing is usually placed in one of the brain's ventricles. The tubing is then tunneled under the skin to another part of the body where the excess cerebrospinal fluid can be more easily absorbed; such as the abdomen or a chamber in the heart.  People who have hydrocephalus usually need a shunt system for the rest of their lives, and regular monitoring is required. 7 Click on the picture for a video on how a shunt is placed

 - an organization that promotes research, funding, and information on hydrocephalus  – Video of a shunt placement operation (Caution this may be graphic)  1E – video of Jade Lucas who tells her hydrocephalus story 1E  embedded&v=p8NxN59-4Ew – a million strong video of hydrocephalus; people who have this condition and the need for reseach on hydrocephalus embedded&v=p8NxN59-4Ew 8