Hydrocephalus and CSF Disorders
Pediatric Neurosurgical Conditions
Hydrocephalus and Cerebrospinal Fluid Disorders
Hydrocephalus and other cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders are conditions in which the normal circulation, absorption, or production of CSF is disrupted, leading to abnormal fluid accumulation within the brain. This imbalance can cause enlargement of the brain’s ventricles and increased pressure on delicate neural tissue, potentially affecting neurological development, vision, mobility, and cognitive function if left untreated.
Hydrocephalus may be present at birth (congenital), develop later in childhood, or arise as a result of tumors, hemorrhage, infection, trauma, or structural abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. Children may present with rapid head growth, irritability, vomiting, headaches, developmental delay, visual disturbances, or balance and coordination difficulties. Diagnosis relies on careful clinical assessment and advanced neuroimaging, most often MRI or ultrasound in infants.
Treatment is highly individualized and aimed at restoring normal CSF flow and pressure. Surgical options include placement of a ventricular shunt system to divert fluid or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), often combined with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC), which can eliminate the need for permanent shunting in selected patients. Advances in surgical techniques and long-term device management have dramatically improved outcomes for children with hydrocephalus and related disorders.
Our program provides comprehensive, lifelong care for children with hydrocephalus and CSF disorders, combining neurosurgical expertise with close monitoring, family education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We focus not only on treating the condition, but also on supporting each child’s neurological development, independence, and quality of life through every stage of growth.