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Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for your interesting question.
Hydrocephalus is the medical term for "water on the brain." It is actually the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Hydrocephalus is the most common congenital defect of the brain and spine with 1 in 500 infants born with this condition. Although it can occur in adults, hydrocephalus is more common in children, especially infants, and causes potential damage to the brain.
At about 6 weeks gestation, the fetus beings to produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Normally, this fluid bathes the ventricular system of the brain. The brain includes four ventricles (cavities) connected by narrow pathways. Then, CSF is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Hydrocephalus is usually caused by either an obstruction or overproduction of CSF leading to its accumulation and an increased intracranial pressure.
The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent brain damage by improving the flow of CSF. If possible, surgery may be performed to remove the blockage.
If not, a flexible tube called a shunt may be placed in the brain to reroute the flow of CSF. The shunt sends CSF to another part of the body, such as the belly area, where it can be absorbed.
I hope this is the information you were looking for.
Regards,
December 8, 2014 - 9:41amMaryann
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I dont think csf but from brain surgery i have built up fpuid from a cyst they took out messuring 4.0x2.2x3.0 it wss fluid fluid substance that also is on my btain. They took out much ss possible and told me i always have fluid brain and that he will montoring me and keep eye on me for a while becusee he wasnt able to get all thr fluid off my brain. So i am trying to figure out what kind of fluid that was in cyst that i have still on brain. What are pro and cons of fluid built i have i on brain. And what is the name of it.
December 9, 2014 - 4:47pmThis Comment
Hello Heather,
Your questions will best be answered by the surgeon who drained the cyst. Each case is individual and your attending physician has the information you are looking for.
Basically, think of your skull as a closed box. Any abnormality, such as abnormal cerebral spinal fluid build up, tumor or cyst, will put pressure on the brain causing impaired brain function.
Regards,
December 10, 2014 - 10:28amMaryann
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