Hydrocephalus in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and the Role of Shunt Surgery

Hydrocephalus, often called “water on the brain,” is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. While commonly associated with children, it can also affect adults, particularly the elderly (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus). Symptoms can include headaches, cognitive decline, difficulty walking, and bladder control problems. Early diagnosis is crucial as many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other age-related conditions.

The most common and effective treatment for hydrocephalus is the surgical implantation of a ventricular shunt. A shunt is a medical device that drains the excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body, where it can be absorbed. The neurosurgeon carefully places a tube into the brain’s ventricle and connects it to a long tube that travels under the skin to the abdominal cavity or heart. Dr. Tolga Dündar has extensive experience with these delicate procedures, which can provide significant symptom relief and improve a patient’s quality of life.