Common "Hydrocephalus" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, meaning water on the brain, is when fluid builds (or cerebrospinal fluid CSF) up in the skull. This fluid build-up puts a lot of pressure on the brain, resulting in brain swelling. Genetic abnormality, rubella, congenital disabilities, meningitis, head trauma, brain bleed, and central nervous system tumors can cause hydrocephalus.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I have spina bifida. How will the condition progress?

Query: Hello doctor, I have spina bifida, which is a slow degenerative syndrome. In the long run, what kind of deterioration will take place?  Read Full »


Dr. Solanki Chirag Natwarbhai

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Spina bifida may progress to involve both legs, where one may develop tingling numbness and weakness. One may also develop urinary retention and overflow incontinence. Many times if there is associated cranial abnormality like Chiari malformation, then similar symptoms...  Read Full »

I have locked-in syndrome. Can I be cured?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a locked-in syndrome patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report indicates marked hydrocephalus, diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, attenuated blood flow in the cerebral vasculature, and hypoxic encephalopathy. I cannot move or do anything but I react to pain. Please he...  Read Full »


Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. These MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings are indicative of chronic severe changes in the brain. Unfortunately, the clinical condition of locked-in syndrome is very serious and the prognosis is really reserved. In most of the cases, patients with this syndrome d...  Read Full »

Is it serious if fetus revealed mild hydrocephalus?

Query: Hi doctor, Mild hydrocephalus shown with breech presentation in 36 weeks ultrasound scan. None of the previous report showed any abnormality. Genetic test done earlier in second trimester was also normal. I want to understand what should be the next step for a healthy and sound mother and baby. I ha...  Read Full »


Dr. Sameer Kumar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Mild hydrocephalus is possible at term and if the biparietal diameter on ultrasound is less than 10 cm then it is still fine. Ideally targeted scan can be done to check for any aqueductal stenosis congenitally, but it is unlikely. The size of the biparietal diameter ...  Read Full »

Unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week. What can be done?

Query: Hello doctor, Our unborn baby is diagnosed with hydrocephaly in the 34th week (now). We were totally shocked because the doctors in the clinic said that this disease must have been detected much earlier (where we live). Unfortunately, on the ultrasonic image the ventricles can be seen filled with a...  Read Full »


Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please do not be so anxious. A pediatrician and a pediatric neurosurgeon opinion should be taken for the same. TORCH infection needs to be ruled out in both the mother and the baby. If all is well and baby is born, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation may be done (bas...  Read Full »

Which is a better treatment for NPH, shunt surgery or CSF drainage?

Query: Hello doctor, My 76 year old mother was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. She is having trouble walking. She can walk only three to four steps at a time. She has been having this difficulty since a month now. She is currently not on any medication for this or for any other issue...  Read Full »


Dr. Chandan Mohanty

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am sorry to hear about your mother. I have seen her MRI reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Going for lumbar puncture (LP) drainage, and then checking for a clinical improvement, before a shunt, has a better chance of determining the overall suc...  Read Full »

Could you please explain MRI brain and CSF studies related to NPH?

Query: Hello doctor,Can you please give the diagnosis of the uploaded MRI brain and CSF studies with a detailed report? Please advise on the action plan as to how to get the CSF findings treated. The MRI report is enclosed. Does the enclosed report co-relate with your findings? The MRI report CSF studies r...  Read Full »


Dr. Vivek Chail

Answer: Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com. The findings in the report and the images are matching and acceptable (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The term NPH is usually applied in cases where there is abnormal CSF hyperdynamic circulation with gait problems or without gait problems if inco...  Read Full »

Is surgery mandatory for normal pressure hydrocephalus in a long term diabetic?

Query: Hello doctor, My mother is 70 years old and has long diabetes (almost 40 years). For the last 20 years, she have a memory problem. She fell two times almost eight years ago. After that she have walking difficulty, for the last five years, she also have a problem controlling urine also. These proble...  Read Full »


Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I recommend trying Furosemide 40 mg twice daily and Acetazolamide 250 mg twice daily. She should start these drugs gradually at a low dose and increase gradually the dose. These drugs will help reduce brain fluid. But, if this is not normal pressure hydrocephalus and ...  Read Full »

A 12-year-old has hydrocephalus, uncontrollable seizures and many problems. What could it be?

Query: Hello doctor, I am an occupational therapist, and my client's mother would not let me talk to her neurologist even though I need to script some equipment. So I wanted to ask general questions, the client is 12 years old and has hydrocephalus and had many many surgeries as her shunts keep becoming bl...  Read Full »


Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your question carefully and would explain the upright position (head of the bed 45 degrees) can help reduce the intracranial pressure. So, I agree with the patient that she feels better in this position. Regarding the medication, I would recommend Diamox and Fu...  Read Full »

Please suggest a medicine for muscle stiffness, apart from Baclofen.

Query: Hi doctor, My dad is without ventilator support since 40 days and his tracheostomy has also removed five days back. Without any life support system, he is currently breathing by himself for last 7-8 days with saturation level 100% on air. Past four days he is able to keep his eyes open for few minut...  Read Full »


Dr. Ambekar Sudheer

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the detailed information. I am happy to see your father improve gradually. Here is what I suggest. There is no other medicine for stiffness. However, physiotherapy should be carried out aggressively to prevent worsening of stiffness. One should rule out infe...  Read Full »

Is headache a symptom of venous aneurysm?

Query: Hi doctor, I have a 8 x 12 mm sac type aneurysm on the vein of Galen. I am 50 years old and otherwise in a good health. I have had bad headaches and nausea for about seven months. It led MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography) and that found the aneurysm. I know the risks of an arterial aneurysm rupturi...  Read Full »


Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. This is a very rare anomaly. Dilatation of entire vein is more common. Theoretically, there is a risk of rupture. But, in practice the most common complications are hydrocephalus and cardiac problems. You have not indicated whether the scan revealed hydrocephalus or not. ...  Read Full »

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