- Condition that causes excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain
- The buildup of CSF could be caused because of overproduction, inadequate absorption or a blockage along the pathways of CSF flow
- In elderly adults a condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain’s ventricles, causing thinking and reasoning problems, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control.
- A test to remove spinal fluid is performed and if the symptoms temporarily improve then treatment involves placement of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
- A shunt is a long, flexible, thin tube that drains excess CSF from the brain into the abdomen. It lies under the skin and a small valve placed under the scalp regulates how much fluid is shunted.
Hydrocephalus
