Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain." The fluid in question is not water, but cerebro-spinal fluid. People with hydrocephalus accumulate excessive fluid in their brains.
Hydrocephalus is typically treated with shunts, which drain the excess fluid into another part of the body. New treatments are being explored which may eliminate the need for shunts.
Most people assume that hydrocephalus also means mental retardation. This is a common myth. People with hydrocephalus can have IQs at either end of the Bell curve as well as in the middle.
Most sites about caring for a child with hydrocephalus address it as part of dealing with a child with the medical problem, such as spina bifida, that caused the hydrocephalus in the first place.
Hydrocephalus Association
Research and networking for people with hydrocephalus and their
families.
Hydrocephalus
Center
Comprehensive site with information for people with hydrocephalus
and their families.
Is the Brain Really
Necessary?
Review of the startling discovery that some people with severe
hydrocephalus -- obliterating most of the brain -- have normal or higher
intelligence.
Living
With Hydrocephalus
This man's hydrocephalus was not diagnosed until after birth. He
provides a lot of links for people wanting to learn more.
Reinventing
the Wheel
An old, previously abandoned technique offers new hope through
microsurgery.
Steve's Hydrocephalus
Page
A man with hydrocephalus provides insight and lots of great links.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Basic information about causes and treatment.
For more information on congenital conditions:
ZZZCHATSTAT1ZZZ
ZZZNEWSLETTERSIGNUP1ZZZ