Shining a light on Hydrocephalus Awareness Week 

Hydrocephalus describes conditions in which there is a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the chambers of the brain, which compresses the surrounding tissues and raises the pressure inside the skull.

What causes Hydrocephalus?

It is caused by an inability of CSF to drain away into the bloodstream. This can happen due to differences in the way the brain develops, failure of fluid absorption in an otherwise typical brain, or damage to brain tissue by head injury, haemorrhage, or infection.

The condition can be associated with learning difficulties that impact concentration, reasoning, short-term memory, co-ordination, motivation, organisational skills, and language. Physical effects may include visual problems, or early puberty in children.

How is Hydrocephalus treated?

Many of these effects can be reduced through various types of treatment. The most common form of treatment is by diverting the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to a place in the body where it can be absorbed.

Some forms of hydrocephalus require no specific treatment or are temporary, requiring no treatment on a long-term basis.

You can find out more about #LivingWithHydrocephalus by heading to the Shine Charity website.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by clinical negligence relating to a hydrocephalus diagnosis and would like advice from our expert legal team, please contact us.