Hydrocephalus

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. View sample

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Hydrocephalus occurs when excess fluid builds up in your brain, most often because of an obstruction preventing proper fluid drainage. The excess fluid can push fragile brain tissues up against the skull — causing brain damage and, if left untreated, even death.

Once known as "water on the brain," hydrocephalus is sometimes present at birth, although it may develop later. About one out of 500 children are born with the disorder. The outlook for people with hydrocephalus depends on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and whether any underlying disorders are present.

Symptoms

DS00393

Sept. 12, 2007

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger