What it is
It is usually treated with a thin tube called a shunt that drains fluid away from the brain, or with a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
Shunts can block or become infected, so knowing the warning signs is important.
Common signs
- Headache
- Feeling or being sick
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty walking
- In babies: an unusually large or fast-growing head and a bulging soft spot
- In older adults: memory problems and losing bladder control
How it is usually diagnosed
- Brain scans (CT or MRI)
- Ultrasound in babies
- Lumbar puncture, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Brain scan reports
- Shunt type and settings
- Neurosurgery letters
- Head circumference charts for babies
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of shunt do I have and what are its settings?
- What are the signs of a blocked shunt?
- How often do I need check-ups?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe headache, vomiting, drowsiness, a seizure or signs of a blocked shunt: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.