Hydrocephalus in Adults: When Excess Brain Fluid Causes Pressure and Symptoms

February 16, 2026

Hydrocephalus in Adults: When Excess Brain Fluid Causes Pressure and Symptoms

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
16 February, 2026

The brain sits in the skull, bathed by cerebrospinal fluid, which circulates through the spinal canal and ventricles or spaces in the brain. CSF is produced at a specific rate every day and reabsorbed back into the circulation. Its main function is to help the brain absorb nutrients better and provide a viable way for waste to exit the brain. When excess cerebrospinal fluid is produced, it can cause a host of symptoms. This is a chronic condition which has no permanent cure, so let’s see how it is effectively managed by neurologists at the best hospital in Hyderabad.

Hydrocephalus In Adults Symptoms

Acquired hydrocephalus is a form that can affect anyone after birth, at any age, including adults. Some of the most common causes include severe head trauma, tumours, infections of the brain or spinal cord or if you have suffered from a stroke before. Symptoms that are observed include

Raised intracranial pressure is the primary symptom that can cause other issues.
Headache due to brain pressure changes
Severe nausea or vomiting
Vision issues occur
Walking difficulty and memory loss are common
Problems with coordination and balance are observed
Short term memory loss

Older adults may have these symptoms along with noticeable gait disturbances, urinary incontinence and dementia too.

Diagnosis Of Hydrocephalus In Adults

A detailed neurological evaluation is done to diagnose this condition. A CT scan, MRI or ultrasound is done to better visualise the brain. Other approaches include-

A lumbar puncture- which removes CSF using a needle from the spine. This can help relieve symptoms for normal pressure hydrocephalus cases and can also serve as a trial run of sorts- to check if a shunt will work later on.
A fundoscopic exam where the optic nerve is scanned by specialised instruments.
An ICP or intracranial pressure monitor which is inserted into the brain to measure pressure changes and values in the brain.

Treatment Of Hydrocephalus In Adults

Hydrocephalus will not get better with time and requires dedicated treatment. But medications don’t work, so surgery is the only option available.

Shunt surgery treatment involves the use of a tube that serves as an alternate pathway for CSF to flow in to. This is very effective in the long term.

However, shunts are not foolproof. They can break, fail or get infected- in which case, a follow up procedure is done. Shunt failure can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, tiredness etc. just like before you got the procedure done. If it is an infection, then you may have a fever too.

Conclusion

Hydrocephalus can be congenital and present at birth in infants or it can develop later on in life due to some other reason. The treatment approaches used in children are different from those which work in adults. Hydrocephalus can cause major changes in cognition and development of children if not addressed in time, while in adults, it can present its own set of challenges. If you have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, getting brain shunt surgery may be a good choice. Talk to our specialist for more information on how to manage this condition and ensure you come in for follow ups after surgery, at KIMS Sunshine – the best neurology hospital in Hyderabad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydrocephalus in adults?

Hydrocephalus in adults is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the brain’s ventricles, causing them to enlarge. This buildup increases pressure on surrounding brain tissue. It may result from head injury, brain hemorrhage, infection, tumors, or impaired fluid absorption. One form seen in older adults is normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), where ventricular enlargement occurs without a sustained rise in pressure.

What are the symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is defined by a triad of symptoms: difficulty walking, cognitive decline, and loss of bladder control. Gait disturbance is often the earliest sign, described as a slow, shuffling walk with balance problems. Cognitive changes include slowed thinking, poor attention, and reduced executive function. Urinary urgency or incontinence may follow.

Can hydrocephalus cause memory problems?

Yes. Hydrocephalus can impair memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. In NPH, memory loss may resemble dementia, leading to delayed diagnosis. Unlike many degenerative conditions, cognitive symptoms may improve if treated early with appropriate intervention such as shunt placement.

Is hydrocephalus life-threatening?

Hydrocephalus can become life-threatening if pressure rises rapidly or remains untreated. Severe cases may lead to worsening neurological deficits, decreased consciousness, or brain herniation. Chronic forms progress more slowly but still carry serious health risks without management.

What complications can occur if untreated?

Untreated hydrocephalus can cause permanent brain damage, progressive cognitive decline, loss of mobility, urinary incontinence, and reduced independence. In advanced stages, it may result in severe disability or death. Early diagnosis and neurosurgical treatment improve outcomes significantly.