Hydrocephalus Facts

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Hydrocephalus is a brain condition that causes an abnormal build up of fluid (CSF) within the brain. The extra fluid puts pressure on the brain due to the ventricles in the brain expanding due to the normal flow of CSF being blocked.

• About every 1 in 770 children are born with Hydrocephalus.
• Another 6,000 children will develop Hydrocephalus within the first 2 years of life.
• More than 50% of Hydrocephalus cases are congenital.
• Hydrocephalus is one the most common birth defects, each year one out of every 500 births result in hydrocephalus.
• Brain injury occurs every 15 seconds in this country - and in some cases leads to the development of hydrocephalus.
• 70-90% of children born with spina bifida also develop hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus may be present at birth due to inherited genetic abnormalities that block the flow of CSF, developmental disorders, or complications with premature birth. Hydrocephalus can also be acquired throughout life after brain injury or infection. 

The most common treatment for Hydrocephalus is a device known as the shunt. It is inserted into the brain surgically and its purpose is to drain the excess fluid in the brain into other parts of the body. Shunts are amazing when working properly. However, over 50% of shunts will fail due to either a clog, break or an infection. 

Within the past 25 years, death rates associated with Hydrocephalus have decreased drastically, from 54% to 5%.