What does hydrocephalus mean?
Hydrocephalus is a medical disorder in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates abnormally within the brain. The buildup can raise pressure inside the skull and enlarge the cerebral ventricles, the brain's fluid-filled cavities. In infants, where the skull can still expand, the condition may produce rapid head growth, a bulging fontanelle, unusual sleepiness, or feeding difficulties. In adults, symptoms more often include headache, vomiting, impaired vision, changes in alertness, and difficulty walking. Hydrocephalus may be present at birth or arise later because of infection, injury, tumors, or other abnormalities affecting the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, a surgically implanted shunt, or another procedure to restore fluid flow. The term is closely related to the variant spelling “hydrocephaly,” while its Greek-derived name literally refers to water in or around the head.
nounA medical condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain causes increased pressure and, commonly, enlargement of the cerebral ventricles. It may be congenital or acquired and is especially associated with rapid head growth and enlargement of the head in infants.
- A disorder involving an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, often producing increased intracranial pressure and enlargement of the cerebral ventricles.
"The newborn was diagnosed with hydrocephalus after an ultrasound revealed enlarged cerebral ventricles."
"Routine imaging showed signs of hydrocephalus, so the infant was referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon."
"Hydrocephalus can be congenital, although it may also develop after infection, injury, or certain other medical conditions."
Hydrocephali is the traditional plural in medical writing, although hydrocephalus is also used in plural constructions in some modern usage.
"The clinic specializes in treating children with hydrocephali."
Hydrocephalus comes from Greek words meaning “water” and “head,” a startlingly literal description of the buildup of fluid around and within the brain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrocephalus come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from Greek hydro-, meaning “water,” and kephalē, meaning “head.” The compound reflects the condition's characteristic accumulation of fluid in the cranial cavity. English “cephalic” and “encephalic” share the same Greek head-related root, while “hydraulic” belongs to the family of words derived from Greek hüdōr, “water.”
Related word forms
How hydrocephalus is actually used
This is a clinical term used in medicine. Informal expressions such as “water on the brain” exist but may be considered imprecise or stigmatizing in professional and sensitive contexts.
Easily confused with hydrocephalus
Hydrocephaly is a variant spelling used for the same disorder as hydrocephalus, rather than a separate condition.