Hydrocephalus (Fluid Accumulation in the Brain)

Hydrocephalus occurs when fluid accumulates in the brain cavities due to disruption of the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This causes increased pressure on brain tissue, which can lead to serious neurological problems, especially in infants and elderly individuals.

Who is most commonly affected?

Newborns and infants (due to congenital causes)
Children (after infection or tumor)
Adults and the elderly (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus - NPH)
Patients who developed the condition after trauma, brain hemorrhage, or tumors.

Who is affected by hydrocephalus? Image of hydrocephalus formation in infants, children and adults

Visual signs of hydrocephalus include head enlargement, headache, nausea and vomiting, balance problems, and vision problems.

Symptoms

In babies:

Rapid growth in head circumference
Swelling of the fontanelle
Downward gaze in the eyes (sign of sunset)
Restlessness, difficulty in feeding

In adults:

Gait disturbance (small steps, unsteady gait)
Memory problems, memory loss
Urinary incontinence
Slowing down, unresponsiveness

Diagnostic Methods

Brain Ultrasound (in newborns)
Magnetic Resonance (MRI)
CT (Computed Tomography)
Lumbar puncture (in some NPH cases, CSF drainage is performed for diagnostic purposes)
Gait analysis and neuropsychological tests if necessary

Image showing the methods of diagnosing hydrocephalus, diagnosis of hydrocephalus with brain MRI, CT, USG and lumbar puncture

Treatment Options

Shunt Surgery (Cerebral Fluid Drainage)

A special catheter is placed into the brain cavities
With this catheter, CSF is directed to the abdominal cavity (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) or another space.
Shunt valve regulates liquid pressure and ensures regular discharge

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV):

In some special types of hydrocephalus, fluid flow can be restored with an endoscope.
It is used especially in obstructive hydrocephalus.
It can be applied without placing a foreign object (shunt) into the body.

Postoperative Follow-up

Head circumference measurement (in infants)
Neurodevelopmental follow-up
Shunt function and infection control
Monitoring with brain MRI if necessary
Walking tests and daily life function assessment in adults

Visual showing the follow-up process after hydrocephalus surgery, the importance of regular brain MRI check-ups, neurological examination and shunt monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the shunt last a lifetime?
Generally yes, but may need to be replaced from time to time.
What to do if a shunt infection occurs?
The shunt is removed, antibiotic treatment is given, and a new shunt is placed.
Which is better, ETV or shunt?
The decision is made based on the patient and the type of hydrocephalus. Each method is highly successful in the appropriate patient.