Types of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a brain disorder that is caused due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid flows within the brain and spinal cord. It bathes the area around the brain and spine and prevents them from injury due to external jerks. Hydrocephalus is generally found in adults and people above 60 but some forms of hydrocephalus can be found in children too. 

In this blog, we will walk you through different types of hydrocephalus and the reasons that cause them. Reading this article will also help you differentiate between types of hydrocephalus and other brain disorders that are misunderstood as hydrocephalus.

You might also want to read: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Diagnosis and Treatment

Communicating Hydrocephalus

Communicating hydrocephalus (more commonly known as non-obstructive hydrocephalus) is the condition in which the flow of CSF gets blocked after it leaves the ventricles. It is called communicating because CSF keeps flowing between the ventricles as the passage remains open. Many reasons can cause communicating hydrocephalus; hemorrhage and meningitis are a few to name.

Noncommunicating Hydrocephalus

It is referred to as obstructive hydrocephalus and it occurs when the flow of CSF gets obstructed. In this medical condition, unlike communicating hydrocephalus, CSF does not flow within the ventricles. It is caused due to pretty much the same reason as for communicating hydrocephalus; injury to the head, stroke, brain tumor, or a result of brain surgery.

Other States

Few other brain disorders are often considered types of hydrocephalus but in actuality, they are not. 

• Hydrocephalus Ex-Vacuo

This condition is characterized by enlargement of the ventricles and the space where CSF flows (subarachnoid). CSF accumulation is not the cause of Ex-vacuo and therefore it cannot be called hydrocephalus. It is rather caused by the shrinking of the brain in adults as well as children which pushes the ventricle to fill the gap and ultimately we see ventricle enlargement. Since the pressure and volume of CSF remain the same, it cannot be called hydrocephalus.

• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

It is a type of communication hydrocephalus in which cerebral ventricles get enlarged due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Patients suffering from NPH show symptoms like dementia, abnormal gait, and lack of control over the urinary bladder. 

Talk to a Doctor

Medical conditions related to the brain are the most sensitive ones. It is always recommended to see an expert neurosurgeon before jumping to a conclusion or starting any treatment. If you are in Los Angeles looking for an expert neurosurgeon, we recommend you to contact Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery. They have a team of expert doctors led by Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe, providing top-quality healthcare services to patients suffering from brain and spine disorders. You can visit their website to see the conditions they treat and schedule an appointment to see the doctor in person.