What causes hydrocephaly?

Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between how much cerebrospinal fluid is produced and how much is absorbed into the bloodstream. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by tissues lining the ventricles of the brain. It flows through the ventricles by way of interconnecting channels.

What happens if NPH is left untreated?

The symptoms of NPH usually get worse over time if the condition is left untreated. Patients with untreated, advanced NPH may experience seizures, which can get progressively worse. Dementia and/or bladder control problems usually appear after gait disturbances as the condition progresses.

Do babies with hydrocephalus survive?

Most of the newborns born with hydrocephalus will have a normal lifespan, and approximately 40 to 50 percent will have normal intelligence. Seizure disorders have been diagnosed in about 10 percent of children with hydrocephalus. The mortality rate for infants is approximately 5 percent.

Is NPH a form of dementia?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a rare but potentially treatable form of dementia. Shunting will improve functioning in 40% to 50% of patients. 2. The classic symptoms of NPH are dementia characterized by mild memory impairment and apathy, ataxic gait, and urinary hesitancy or incontinence.

How long do you live with NPH?

Conclusions: Clinical improvement of patients with NPH can be sustained for 5-7 years in some patients with NPH, even if shunt revision surgery is needed multiple times.

Why are babies born with hydrocephalus?

There is no one cause for the type of hydrocephalus babies are born with. It may be linked to a genetic defect or a complication of another disorder, such as spina bifida or encephaloceles. Children may also develop hydrocephalus after birth as a complication of: premature birth.