Hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in spaces deep within the brain. These spaces are called ventricles. The buildup of CSF can put pressure on the brain and cause symptoms. Treatments for hydrocephalus usually can lower the amount of CSF.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• any activities your child should avoid
• giving acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand)
• follow-up visits

Your child has:

• headaches that are different from usual
• confusion or changes in behavior
• trouble feeding or walking
• unusual sleepiness or fussiness
• a bulging soft spot (in babies)

Your child:

• has vision problems
• has changes in eye movements (can't look up) 
• can't be woken
• has a seizure

How does hydrocephalus happen? Cerebrospinal fluid is made in the ventricles. It flows around the brain and spinal cord, cushioning them, sending nutrients to the brain, and taking away waste. Then it's absorbed into the lymph nodes and bloodstream, and new, fresh CSF takes its place. 

Hydrocephalus can happen if:

• The flow of CSF is blocked (called obstructive hydrocephalus).
• Not enough CSF is absorbed into the bloodstream (called communicating hydrocephalus).

What causes hydrocephalus? Causes of hydrocephalus include:

• spina bifida: when a baby's spinal cord does not fully develop
• aqueductal stenosis: when there is blockage of CSF flow within the brain
• chiari malformation: when the bottom part of the brain is squeezed into the neck
• infection during pregnancy that scars the brain 
• complications of prematurity (being born early) 
• bleeding in the brain (from a stroke or brain injury)
• a brain tumor 
• infection in the brain that blocks the absorption of CSF

How is hydrocephalus treated? Treatment for hydrocephalus depends on how old the child is and what's causing the hydrocephalus. Treatments may include:

1. One of these surgeries:

• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery: A tube is placed between the ventricles of the brain and the peritoneum. The peritoneum is an area deep inside the belly. The tube drains the extra CSF into the peritoneum. The extra CSF is absorbed into the bloodstream. Shunts are replaced:
  • if they get infected or stop working
  • over time as a child grows and needs a bigger shunt
• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) surgery: A tiny hole is made in the bottom of the ventricle. This lets the extra CSF drain out of the brain and be absorbed into the bloodstream.

2. Therapy for children with slowed development, such as:

• an early intervention program
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy