Adult-onset hydrocephalus

Approximately one half of the patients diagnosed and treated for hydrocephalus are adults. Patients with adult-onset hydrocephalus may have a primary central nervous system disease such as SAH, infection, tumor, or trauma, which results in CSF obstruction. Alternatively, they may have congenitally obstructed hydrocephalus with late developing symptoms or isolated idiopathic hydrocephalus. The variety and special settings of adult-onset hydrocephalus necessitate a more varied approach than in the pediatric population.