Patient & Family Education Materials

Start over with a New Search

Word! Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus

Say: hi-droh-SEF-eh-less

Having trouble saying that long word? Another way to describe this condition is to call it "water on the brain."

Everyone's brain and spinal cord are cushioned by a liquid that's produced inside the brain. This liquid usually flows from inside the brain to the outer part and then into the bloodstream. But sometimes an injury or other problem can block that flow. The fluid then builds up inside the head. A person with hydrocephalus may throw up, have headaches, or even changes in behavior.

Back To Top

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com