September: Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

What is Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s cavities, putting pressure on the brain and damaging tissue. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired) due to infections such as meningitis, brain haemorrhage, head trauma, or tumours.

• In the Global South, congenital hydrocephalus affects around 145 out of every 100,000 live births.
• Hydrocephalus is the leading cause of brain surgery in children.

Key Facts Everyone Should Know

•  Hydrocephalus can only be treated with surgery — usually a shunt or an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
• Children with hydrocephalus are especially vulnerable to heat and must drink 2–3 times more water than usual.
• A shunt drains excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body, but shunts can over-drain or block, both of which are dangerous.
• Without timely treatment, complications can include hemorrhage, blindness (from papilledema), and death.

Despite being so common, neuro first aid is rarely taught, and many healthcare professionals have limited training in managing hydrocephalus.