•The fluid isoften under increased pressure
and can compress and damage the brain.
•Some estimates report one to two of every
1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus.
•If skull is still pliable so it may enlarge.
Inherited Causes
These arepresent at birth and usually due to abnormal
brain or spinal development:
Myelodysplasia
Atresia of Foramen of Monro (blockage of CSF
channel)
Neural Tube Defects
Encephalocele
Spina bifida
Genetic Abnormalities
Aqueductal Stenosis (narrowing of the brain canal)
Dandy-Walker Complex (cyst and underdeveloped
cerebellum)
Other Brain and Spinal Malformations
Acquired Causes
These develop later due to injury, infection, or disease:
Tumor
Meningitis (brain infection)
Other Infections
Hemorrhage (bleeding inside brain)
Arachnoid Cyst
Posterior Fossa Cyst
Traumatic Brain Injury
Idiopathic (no known cause)
•Hydrocephalus occurs whenthe CSF flows out of the
chambers of the brain (ventricles) and into the spinal
canal, but it is not reabsorbed normally by the tissue
surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
•Sometimes this type of hydrocephalus corrects itself.
Obstruction is normally at subarachnoid area
Non-obstructive, or communicating
11.
Causes of communicating
hydrocephalus
•Intraventricularhaemorrhage
•Meningitis and congenital absence of arachnoid villi.
•Scarring and fibrosis of the subarachnoid space following
infection
•Traumatic head injury
•Thickening of arachnoid
12.
Hydrocephalus occurs whenthe CSF does not flow
properly between or out of the brain ventricles because
of an obstruction, such as from a malformation or
narrowing
Obstructive, or non-communicating
13.
Causes of noncommunicating
hydrocephalus
•Foramen of Monro obstruction
(channel between the lateral ventricles and the third ventricle.)
•Narrowing of The aqueduct of Silvius (A thin canal connecting
the third and fourth ventricles.)
•Fourth ventricle obstruction
•Foramen of Luschka and foramen of Magendie obstruction
(These are exit points from the fourth ventricle into the
subarachnoid space)
14.
•Rare cases
•The braintissue makes too much CSF and the body
can't properly absorb or distribute the high amount of
fluid.
Overproduction hydrocephalus
Diagnostic Test forHydrocephalus
Ultrasound
Used in infants to
view ventricular
size through
fontanelle.
MRI & CT Scan
Detailed imaging
of brain structure
and fluid buildup.
Neurological assessment
and
head circumference
measurement.
Physical Exam
Cerebral shunts
Involves theplacement of a
ventricular catheter (a tube
made of silastic), into the
cerebral ventricles to bypass
the flow
obstruction/malfunctioning
arachnoidal granulations and
drain the excess fluid into
other body cavities, from
where it can be resorbed.
Living with Hydrocephalus:Support,
Resources, and Long-Term Management
Support Networks
Patient groups,
counseling, and
advocacy
organizations.
Management
Regular follow-ups
and monitoring for
shunt function.
Lifestyle
Healthy habits,
awareness of symptom
changes, and safety.
26.
The Future ofHydrocephalus Treatment: Research
and Emerging Therapies
Advanced Imaging
Stem Cell Therapy
Potential for brain
tissue repair and
regeneration.
Programmable
Valves
Allow non-invasive
adjustments to
shunt pressure.
Expanded Physiotherapy: Balance
TrainingTechniques
• Static and dynamic balance activities
• Use of balance boards and physioballs
• Assistive devices (walker, cane)
• Parallel bar walking
• Step pattern training
• Core stability exercises
• Posture correction routines
• Functional mobility tasks
30.
Community Guidelines
Monitor andManage Risk Factors:
Early screening and regular monitoring of infections, head trauma, or
congenital issues helps prevent complications and detect hydrocephalus
before it worsens
31.
Community Guidelines
Community-based rehab,emotional support, and access to
physiotherapy boost recovery, reduce disability, and improve
quality of life after treatment
Support Post-Hydrocephalus and Rehab:
32.
Community Guidelines
Promote awareness,remove physical and social barriers, and
offer educational support to ensure kids and adults with
hydrocephalus thrive without stigma
Make an Inclusive Environment