Hydrocephalus is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain causing harmful pressure on it.

Causes
Causes are not very clear but possibilities include:

• Genetic defects
• Defects due to premature birth
• Head injury
• Tumors
• Infections such as meningitis
• Hemorrhage

Symptoms
In infants and young children:

• Enlarged head
• Fixed downward gaze
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Seizures

In older children and adults:

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Downward gaze
• Difficulty with balance
• Loss of coordination
• Urinary incontinence
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Cognitive loss

Treatment

• Surgery to insert a shunt to drain the excess fluid to another part of the body for absorption
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy to make a surgical opening in the floor of third ventricle for drainage of fluid

Prevention

• Avoid premature birth by going for regular checkups during pregnancy
• Avoid head injuries
• Vaccinate children on time against various diseases