Hydrocephalus

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside your brain. CSF is fluid made by your body that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. CSF is constantly being made and absorbed by your body. It moves through spaces inside your brain called ventricles before draining out and being absorbed into your bloodstream. When CSF cannot drain properly, the fluid pressure may cause the ventricles to swell. The excess fluid presses against your brain and often creates problems with thinking, vision, and movement. You may get headaches and develop dizziness, nausea (upset stomach), and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Hydrocephalus can be congenital (born with) or acquired (occurs later in life). The cause may be unknown or you may have a blockage from a tumor or cyst. CSF may also be blocked if you bleed in your brain or have an infection, such as meningitis. Caregivers often use surgery to drain excess CSF. Treatment may resolve your symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness. Treatment may resolve the pressure in your brain and improve your ability to think clearly and function better in your daily life.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Managing hydrocephalus:

• Keep your follow-up visits. Ask your caregiver when to return for follow-up visits. You may need CT scans before shunt adjustments every 2 to 3 weeks at first. Write down any questions you have. This way you will remember to ask them at your visits.
  
  
• Keep a headache diary. If your headaches get worse during treatment, your caregivers may suggest you keep a headache diary. Rate your headache, such as from mild to very bad. Write down what you were doing when the headache started. Also note when you have been sitting or standing for a long time. Caregivers may use the headache diary to change your treatment if needed.
  
  
• Report weight changes. If you gain or lose weight, tell your caregivers. Your shunt valve may need adjustment.
  
  
• Stay upright. Sit up often, even if you have to stay in bed. This will help your shunt drain CSF better.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your neck and shoulders feel sore.
  
  
• The skin around your shunt looks red and feels tender (sore to the touch).

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel sleepy, or have problems waking.
  
  
• You have nausea or vomiting even after treatment.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or your vision changes.
  
  
• You have had a seizure or have lost consciousness.
  
  
• You have a fever and a stiff neck. You may also feel confused.
  
  
• Your headaches are not getting better, even after you take medicine.
  
  
• You are having headaches after hydrocephalus surgery.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Hydrocephalus (Aftercare Instructions)