Water on the brain, explained — and every family's
path forward.
Hydrocephalus is a manageable condition when it's caught early and understood clearly. Here's what's happening inside the brain, why it happens, and the signs every parent and caregiver should know.
An imbalance of fluid the brain relies on
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain's ventricles. CSF is produced inside the ventricles and the choroid plexus, then circulates through the ventricular system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
In constant circulation, this fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord against injury, carries nutrients and proteins needed for normal brain function, and clears waste products away from surrounding tissue.
Hydrocephalus develops when the fluid produced outpaces the rate at which it's absorbed. As CSF builds up, the ventricles enlarge and pressure inside the head rises — which is what produces the symptoms below.
Two broad pathways to the same pressure
Hydrocephalus can be present from birth or develop later in life. Knowing which pathway applies helps guide the right treatment.
Congenital
Present at birth and usually diagnosed during infancy, often linked to how the brain and spine develop during pregnancy — including alongside conditions like Spina Bifida.
Acquired
Develops after birth as a result of a tumour, infection, stroke, bleeding into the brain, meningitis, or the aftermath of a severe head injury.
What to look for, by age
Symptoms vary by the age of the patient and any other conditions present — recognising them early makes a real difference to outcomes.
The early signs
- Head circumference measures noticeably larger than a typical infant's.
- Delayed or abnormal sucking reflex.
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness.
- Nausea or vomiting without an obvious cause.
What they may report
- Persistent headaches.
- Difficulty walking or with balance.
- Nausea, vomiting, or low energy.
- Sleepiness, inattention, blurred vision, or dizziness.
If a child is showing several of these signs together, don't wait — early clinical evaluation is the single biggest factor in a good outcome. Our Medical Support team can help connect families to diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Bankole explains Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
Dr. Bankole — a short, plain-language explainer on SBH.
Every diagnosis deserves a path to treatment.
FFF's Save-A-Life Initiative funds neurosurgical procedures for children born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus — removing the financial barrier between a family and life-saving care.