Types of Hydrocephalus (Cont.)

Hydrocephalus Ex-Vacuo and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

There are two other forms of hydrocephalus that do not fit into the categories mentioned previously and that primarily affect adults: hydrocephalus ex-vacuo and normal pressure hydrocephalus.
 
Ex-vacuo hydrocephalus (or hydrocephalus ex-vacuo) occurs when there is damage to the brain caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). In these cases, there may be actual shrinkage (atrophy, or wasting) of brain tissue.
 
Normal pressure hydrocephalus can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in the elderly population. Normal pressure hydrocephalus may result from:
 
  • A subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Head trauma
  • Infection
  • Tumor
  • Complications of surgery.
     
However, many people develop normal pressure hydrocephalus even when none of these factors are present. In these cases, the cause of the disorder is unknown.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD