The fluid-filled ventricles help keep the brain buoyant and cushioned. This fluid also fills large open structures, called ventricles, which lie deep inside your brain. Your brain floats in a bath of cerebrospinal fluid. More than one condition can cause the problems associated with hydrocephalus, so it's important to get a timely diagnosis and appropriate care. Seek prompt medical attention for other signs or symptoms in any age group. Seek emergency medical care for infants and toddlers with these signs and symptoms: Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck.Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills.Decline in memory, concentration and other thinking skills that may affect job performanceĪmong adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are:.Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate.

Delays or problems with previously acquired skills, such as walking or talkingĬommon signs and symptoms in this age group include:.Loss of bladder control or frequent urination.Abnormal enlargement of a toddler's head.Eyes fixed downward (sunsetting of the eyes)Īmong toddlers and older children, signs and symptoms might include: Physical signs and symptoms.A bulging or tense soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head.A rapid increase in the size of the head.InfantsĬommon signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include: Changes in the head The signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus vary somewhat by age of onset.

Shunt vs dead space clinical conditions