hydrocephalus

[ hahy-druh-sef-uh-luhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an accumulation of serous fluid within the cranium, especially in infancy, due to obstruction of the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, often causing great enlargement of the head; water on the brain.

hydrocephalus

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfəlɪ; ˌhaɪdrəʊˈsɛfələs; ˌhaɪdrəʊsɛˈfælɪk /

noun

1. accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain because its normal outlet has been blocked by congenital malformation or disease. In infancy it usually results in great enlargement of the head Nontechnical namewater on the brain

hydrocephalus

/ hī′drō-sĕf′ə-ləs /

1. A usually congenital condition in which an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles causes enlargement of the skull and compression of and injury to brain tissue. If hydrocephalus becomes progressive, a shunt is surgically placed to reduce pressure by conducting fluid away from the brain, usually to the peritoneum.

Derived Forms

• hydrocephalic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocephalus¹

1660–70; < Late Latin hydrocephalus ( morbus ) water-headed (sickness), translation of Greek tò hydroképhalon ( páthos ). See hydro- ¹, -cephalous

Example Sentences

He had the operation after an MRI scan in Surrey revealed he had hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain.

From BBC

The 21-year-old was born with spina bifida - a spinal defect - and hydrocephalus, which is a neurological disorder that causes water to gather around her brain.

From BBC

Evie now has epilepsy and hydrocephalus and had to have a device called a shunt fitted in her brain to drain away fluid.

From BBC

Last week, Bonaduce posted on X he has hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in cavities deep within the brain.

From Seattle Times

Noah, who had hydrocephalus, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, went by the nickname Background Bob.

From BBC