hydrocephalus
n. a condition caused by accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, resulting in raised intracranial pressure, with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, nausea, poor coordination, gait imbalance, urinary incontinence, slowing or loss of development, lethargy, drowsiness, irritability, or changes in personality or cognition, including memory loss. Hydrocephalus commonly occurs as a congenital anomaly or due to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid from head injury, brain tumor, or hemorrhage. The pressure can sometimes be relieved by surgery, in which the excess fluid is permanently shunted into the bloodstream. In infants, hydrocephalus often produces enlargement of the skull. Also called hydrocephaly. —hydrocephalic
adj.