What are the effects of Hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus involves accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, with an increase in the pressure inside the head.

Pressure

There are two sources of this pressure. One is that of the CSF itself, but a much higher pressure is produced by the heart in order to pump blood to the brain. If the CSF pressure rises, it eventually interferes with the blood supply to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and glucose which it needs in constant amounts to continue to function. Initially this causes tiredness, irritability and drowsiness, but if it progresses then loss of consciousness will result as the brain begins to shut down.

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