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Hydrocephalus

What are the causes?

The most common causes of hydrocephalus in children are infections such as Meningitis or Toxoplasmosis, premature birth, head injury, or a brain tumour. In adults, hydrocephalus can be caused by meningitis, trauma or brain tumour, or blockage of the brain pathways (aqueduct stenosis) of unknown cause. Other forms of hydrocephalus in adults include 'Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus' which is suggested by deterioration in mental performance including memory, walking difficulties, and sometimes incontinence. Once diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment is shunting, preferably using an adjustable valve.

View What are the symptoms? What are the symptoms?  |  How is it treated? View How is it treated?

Medical text written July 1994 by the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Approved by Dr C.R.Birch, Consultant Physician and Medical Director, Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham, UK. Last updated June 2003 by Dr R Bayston, ASBAH and Senior Lecturer, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, UK.

 

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