It is important to remember that hydrocephalus is not only a problem of childhood; young people and adults can also be affected.
They fall into 3 rough categories:
1. Those who developed hydrocephalus as babies or young children or who were born with it and who are now entering adult life.
2. Those who developed hydrocephalus post childhood as a result of head injury, tumour or cyst, infection, stroke etc
3. Older people with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
Treatment will be by shunting or by ventriculostomy. Some people will have had their shunts for many years, some will consider themselves to be shunt independent. All should be aware of the signs and symptoms of shunt malfunction and consult their doctor if they develop them.
Symptoms may include headache, nausea or vomiting, loss of ability to perform previously managed tasks, lethargy or agitation, changes in sight, sensitivity to light, seizures, loss of consciousness
