Hydrocephalus, often referred to as “water on the brain,” is a condition most commonly associated with infants and young children. However, it can also affect adults, and the symptoms may be very different — and often more subtle — than what you might expect.
In honor of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, which is observed every September, the Link Neuroscience Institute team is highlighting an aspect of hydrocephalus that isn’t always talked about: hydrocephalus symptoms in adults.
Read on as our team of experts explains what hydrocephalus is and its associated symptoms.
Hydrocephalus occurs when there’s an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — note that it’s not actually “water on the brain” — within the ventricles (cavities) of your brain. This buildup can increase pressure on the brain and lead to a range of symptoms that vary depending on the age of the affected individual.
In adults, hydrocephalus can often be misdiagnosed because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or even the natural aging process.
Here are some of the key symptoms to watch for:
One of the most common symptoms of hydrocephalus in adults is a change in gait, often described as feeling unsteady, shuffling, or as if your feet are stuck to the floor. This can sometimes be mistaken for general mobility issues related to aging.
Adults with hydrocephalus may experience cognitive decline, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with decision-making.
These symptoms can often be confused with dementia. In fact, the Hydrocephalus Foundation estimates that 800,000 older Americans with cognitive decline are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease instead of hydrocephalus.
Another symptom that might not immediately be linked to hydrocephalus is urinary incontinence or frequent urination, particularly if it’s a new development.
Urinary incontinence can also be associated with urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate gland, pelvic organ prolapse, and weak pelvic floor muscles. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your symptoms is through testing to rule out these conditions.
While less common, some adults may also experience headaches, nausea, or vision problems, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
Allergies, sensitivities, viral infections, injuries, brain tumors, stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration can also cause headaches.
Our team of neurologists can pinpoint the source of your headaches and help you find relief, whether from hydrocephalus or another cause.
Because the symptoms of hydrocephalus in adults can be subtle and easily attributed to other conditions, it’s important to seek professional medical care for an accurate diagnosis. This means you can get started on the right treatment so you can get a reprieve from your symptoms.
Early diagnosis is key to managing the condition and preventing long-term damage. A combination of neurological exams, brain imaging (such as MRI or CT scans), and clinical history is typically used to diagnose hydrocephalus.
If you’re diagnosed with hydrocephalus, the most common treatment is the surgical insertion of a shunt — a device that helps drain excess fluid from your brain to another part of your body. Once the fluid drains to this location, your body will absorb it.
Another option is endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). During this procedure, your Link Neuroscience Institute neurosurgeon creates a new pathway for CSF to flow within your brain.
Both treatments aim to reduce the pressure on your brain and alleviate your symptoms, and they’re both options here in Oxnard and Santa Barbara, California.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you’re concerned about these symptoms — or any other neurological symptoms. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get the answers you need.
To learn more about hydrocephalus in adults, give us a call or click here to book an appointment.
